House Calls - A thing of the past?
by: Susan WellishCan you recall the days a doctor made a house call to your home? The medical term "house call" is considered a relic of the past. Did they ever really exist? Surprisingly YES, house calls were a usual part of a general practitioner’s day. Knowing each patient, their medical history and family member’s names was the standard. As the twentieth century progressed the late 1980-90’s, this phenomenon of “house calls” came to a crashing halt.
Rising medical insurance may have started in 1973. In 1973, The Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Act of 1973, obligated employers with 25 or more employees to offer federally certified HMO options. An HMO – managed care by a network of providers. The HMO agrees to provide services at a discount. This allows the HMO to charge lower monthly premiums.
House calls became an economical casualty of rising medical insurance costs. Standard medical insurance policies (Non-HMO) and HMO premiums were rising yearly at an out of control rate. Changing the venue dramatically how patients and doctors met for routine health checks and urgent sick visits.
As of 2008, house calls may be considered a relic throughout the United States. Although there an innovative new medical group of “mobile doctors” on the rise. Trying to serve the many needs of senior care and house bound patients. Check your local area to see if there are any “mobile doctors” making “house calls”.
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