10 Things to expect from a Home Doctor Visit
Just a few decades ago, home visits of doctors used to be a common practice, with most doctors doing house calls regularly. They would visit the patient’s home directly to provide the treatment and care they need. Then came the time when we saw numerous hospitals being set up in every major area of the city, which made it easier to visit the hospital, rather than opting for a home doctor visit.
However, when you have an older adult or someone too weak to step out of the house due to their illness, it becomes necessary to call a doctor who can treat the patient in the comfort of their home. In this article, we list 10 things to expect from a home doctor visit so that you know what kind of services you will get when you make the call:
It is usually for those suffering from serious health problems
While some doctors on call do provide treatment for routine, non-emergency health problems such as the seasonal flu and infections, the primary purpose of most of them is to cater to cases requiring urgent care. They are usually meant for patients suffering from serious ailments such as heart diseases, diabetes, and hypertension or those bedbound or elderly patients who find it troublesome to visit the hospital for their treatment.
You get personalized care
Compared to a hospital consultation where the doctor is on a tight schedule to cater to multiple patients within a set amount of time, doctors on call are able to provide personalized care and attention to their patients. They are there to offer care and support to a single patient only and tend to give better services as a result.
Most on-call doctors provide their services 24/7
Many of the on-call doctors are available at any time during the day, seven days a week. This means they are available to provide you the care and treatment you need, even if it is the middle of the night. This makes it a great option to use for any medical emergencies at odd hours. When dealing with a professional service, you can expect an immediate response and quick service.
The doctor is likely to assess your medical condition before deciding to visit
When you call in to request an in-house doctor visit, don’t be surprised if the doctor asks for some information about your current health condition before advising whether you need a home doctor visit or a trip to the hospital. This is because in certain cases, the best care can
only be provided at the hospital in the presence of specialist equipment and support staff. For this reason, be prepared to answer a few questions about your current condition when you make the call. Based on the information you provide, you may be asked to come in for an examination or arrange a home visit.
Have your medical records ready before the visit
To help the visiting doctor make a suitable diagnosis of your health problem and prescribe the right medication, you will have to inform them of your medical history and current situation. It is advisable to have any records or prescriptions ready before the visit so that they can be handed over to the doctor immediately for analysis if needed.
Most doctor visits are likely to be covered by your insurance plan
Many of the in-house doctor visit services are covered under Medicare or other insurance plans. This means that it will cost you the same as a normal hospital check-up, with no additional charges for in-house services.
However, every service is different so it is best to check their fee and compatible insurance plans before you make an appointment to avoid any unpleasant surprises later on.
Make sure to pick the right doctor
Before you call a particular doctor in for a check-up, it makes sense to ask a few questions in order to pick the right one. Here are a few things to consider:
Does the doctor have the specialist skills to meet the needs of your patient? For example, does he/she treat patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s or those with multiple health problems?
Will you be able to consult with the patient’s primary healthcare provider alongside the in-house doctor?
Will the in-house doctor communicate with the patient’s primary doctor so that the treatment is coordinated?
You can expect your doctor to arrive within hours
Most in-house doctor services are so prompt in assisting you with your medical problem that you can expect the doctor to be at your doorstep within 2-3 hours of making the call, especially if you need urgent care. Keep in mind that you may have to wait longer during busy seasons or if your problem does not require prompt assistance. The doctor will assess your medical needs and tend to you accordingly.
It is a good idea to have a family member present
For those suffering from serious health problems, it is advisable to have a family member present during the doctor’s visit to provide any details regarding the patient’s health condition and discuss any issues that cannot be discussed with the patient directly. However, make sure it is a family member who has full knowledge of the patient’s condition and is trusted by the patient to coordinate with the doctor on his/her behalf. Moreover, you have to remember that the doctor has to adhere to a certain time limit during the visit, so you should respect any time constraints they may have.
The doctor will come equipped with the necessary medications
In-house doctor visits are meant to provide you with the convenience of healthcare services at your home. This means that most doctors carry any urgent medications that you may require with them, saving you from having to make a trip to the pharmacy once the doctor leaves.
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