A convergence of factors may play a role in the resurgence of doctor house calls, from doctor and patient dissatisfaction with managed care insurance companies to the rapid aging of the population. The average wait in major cities can be four to six hours or more, and I felt that there had to be a better way. Saffouri says that all major American insurance companies are willing to reimburse patients for these home visits because they are much cheaper than emergency room services. Our doctors really enjoy the contact with patients. We are putting the patient and the doctor back together.
Location also adds to the appeal.
We treat a wide range of patients, from traveling tourists and working class families to VIPs. Fayel makes up to 12 house calls per day and has been doing so for four years. Fayel attributes a growing discontent among the physician work force to the rebirth of doctor house calls. Chris Guzik, MD, a family practitioner in Ft. I can treat patients from a medical point of view with no worries about insurance coverage.