High tech house calls

CINCINNATI - House calls may seem like a thing of the past. Now there is one company not only going to a patient's house for the appointment, but they are able to do some amazing things while at the home.

For the past three years Mildred Bishop has welcomed Dr. Richard Foy into her home for regular visits.

"I don't drive, so better for him to come visit me. That way I don't have to expect someone to take me out to the doctor," Bishop said.

Dr. Foy and a medical assistant from Visiting Physicians Association perform basic tests on patients like Bishop such as blood pressure and heart rate. Dr. Foy said, "We get to see them in their home environment which is helpful for me as a physician to help plan their treatment."

The thing that sets this visit apart is the ability to have certain tests done onsite, such as an X-ray.

"We have the technology to not only do x-rays, but also ultrasounds, electrocardiograms, and we draw blood and urine samples in the home," said Dr. Foy.

X-ray and ultrasound results are read in a specialty van in the patient's driveway. Blood or urine samples are sent to a lab to be processed. Dr. Foy also says it is more than the technology that made him want to visit patients at home. "We have patients that if we didn't come see them, they would have such a difficulty getting out that they wouldn't seek medical care until they end up visiting the emergency room.

Dr. Foy says the average appointment can last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes depending on what care is required, but that is not the best part for Bishop. She said, "All I do is sit back and enjoy him coming to check me out and make sure I'm alright."

With all that Visiting Physicians offers a patient, they are still a primary care provider. If a patient has more serious issues, the practice does not replace specialists that a patient may require.