The Return of the House Call
Once a cornerstone of American medicine, house calls nearly disappeared during the latter half of the 20th century. Today, they're experiencing a remarkable renaissance—and for good reason. In-home medical visits offer benefits that simply can't be replicated in a traditional office setting.
Why House Calls Disappeared
In the mid-20th century, several factors led to the decline of house calls:
- Medical Technology: Advanced equipment couldn't be transported
- Efficiency Concerns: Office visits allowed doctors to see more patients
- Insurance Changes: Reimbursement favored office-based care
- Urbanization: Hospital and clinic-based care became the norm
By the 1980s, house calls accounted for less than 1% of physician visits, down from 40% in 1940.
The House Call Renaissance
Today, house calls are returning—driven by:
1. Concierge Medicine Model
Concierge practices, with their smaller patient panels and focus on personalized care, have made house calls economically viable again.
2. Aging Population
With more seniors aging in place, home-based care meets a critical need.
3. Technology Advances
Portable diagnostic equipment makes comprehensive evaluations possible at home.
4. Patient Demand
Patients increasingly seek convenience and personalized care.
5. Proven Outcomes
Research shows house calls improve patient satisfaction and health outcomes.
Benefits of House Calls
For the Patient
Convenience: No travel, parking, or waiting room time Comfort: Receive care in familiar surroundings Comprehensive: Doctor sees your living environment and can assess home safety Family Involvement: Easier for caregivers to participate Reduced Exposure: No risk of illness from waiting rooms Less Stress: Especially important for anxious patients
For Seniors
House calls are particularly valuable for older patients:
- Mobility Challenges: No struggle to get to the office
- Transportation Issues: Eliminates need for rides
- Chronic Condition Management: More frequent monitoring possible
- Caregiver Support: Doctor meets with family members
- Medication Review: Physician sees actual medications in the home
- Safety Assessment: Evaluate fall risks and home hazards
For Busy Professionals
- Time Efficiency: No time away from work
- Flexibility: Evening and weekend availability
- Privacy: Confidential care at home or office
- Productivity: Return to work immediately after the visit
For Families with Children
- Less Disruption: No need to transport sick children
- Sibling Considerations: Other children can stay home
- Comfort: Children feel more at ease in familiar surroundings
- Observation: Doctor sees the child's home environment
What Can Be Done During a House Call?
Modern house calls are surprisingly comprehensive:
Physical Examinations
- Complete head-to-toe assessments
- Vital signs monitoring
- Cardiovascular evaluation
- Respiratory assessment
- Neurological examination
- Musculoskeletal evaluation
Diagnostic Services
- Blood draws for laboratory testing
- EKG/cardiac monitoring
- Point-of-care testing
- Wound assessment
- Medication reconciliation
Treatments
- Wound care and dressing changes
- Injections and vaccinations
- IV hydration (in some cases)
- Medication adjustments
- Health education
Preventive Care
- Wellness evaluations
- Immunizations
- Health screenings
- Lifestyle counseling
- Care coordination
Chronic Disease Management
- Diabetes monitoring and management
- Hypertension control
- Heart disease management
- COPD and respiratory conditions
- Arthritis and pain management
House Calls in South Florida
South Florida's unique demographics make house calls especially relevant:
Snowbird Population
- Seasonal residents benefit from continuity of care
- No need to establish new doctor relationships
- Medical records travel with the patient
Retirement Communities
- Easy access for community residents
- Coordination with community health services
- Reduced transportation burden
Hot Climate Considerations
- Elderly patients avoid heat exposure
- Chronic condition patients stay comfortable
- Recovery from illness in controlled environment
Dr. Ben Soffer's House Call Practice
Dr. Ben Soffer offers comprehensive house call services throughout Boca Raton and Palm Beach County:
Service Areas
- Boca Raton
- Delray Beach
- Palm Beach
- West Palm Beach
- Wellington
- Boynton Beach
- Lake Worth
- And surrounding communities
What's Included
- Complete medical evaluations
- Chronic disease management
- Acute illness treatment
- Preventive care services
- Coordination with specialists
- 24/7 physician access
How It Works
- Contact the Practice: Call or message to request a house call
- Schedule a Time: Same-day and next-day appointments available
- Prepare for the Visit: Have medications and health records ready
- Receive Care: Comprehensive evaluation in your home
- Follow-Up: Ongoing communication and care coordination
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a house call take?
House calls typically last 30-60 minutes, allowing for thorough evaluation and unhurried discussion.
What should I have ready for a house call?
- List of current medications
- Any recent test results
- Insurance cards
- List of questions or concerns
- A comfortable, well-lit area for the exam
Are house calls more expensive than office visits?
House calls are typically included in concierge medicine memberships. For non-members, fees vary by practice and services provided.
Can you treat emergencies during house calls?
House calls are ideal for non-emergency acute care and chronic disease management. For true emergencies (chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe injury), call 911.
Do you need special equipment for house calls?
Modern portable equipment allows for comprehensive evaluations. Doctors bring medical bags with diagnostic tools, and any necessary lab work can be sent to laboratories.
The Future of House Calls
House calls are more than a nostalgic return to old-fashioned medicine—they represent the future of patient-centered care. As healthcare evolves, home-based care will play an increasingly important role in:
- Chronic disease management
- Post-hospitalization care
- End-of-life care
- Preventive medicine
- Geriatric care
Conclusion
House calls offer a level of personalized, convenient, and comprehensive care that office visits simply cannot match. For patients who value their time, prefer the comfort of home, or face challenges getting to a doctor's office, in-home medical visits provide an invaluable healthcare option.
Dr. Ben Soffer offers house call services throughout Boca Raton and Palm Beach County. To learn more or schedule a house call, visit drbensoffer.com.