The Comeback of the House Call?

Source: NY Times

Making house calls may no longer be a medical anachronism. Here is a recent perspective in the NY Times. The article underscores the need for continuity of coordinated, longitudinal care and cites evidence that patients may have better outcomes with home based, primary care visits.

Not too long ago, I inadvertently made a 'house call' on a patient. While out for a very early morning jog, I came across a homeless, HIV positive patient on a local park bench. After the initial surprise of meeting up with his doctor, we had a brief yet pleasant encounter. While sitting with him on the park bench, he pulled out his retrovirals from his backpack and subsequently convinced me of his ongoing medication adherence. 

An unconventional house call, admittedly, and unlikely to affect his outcome. Regardless, the visit did further establish rapport, which may lead to a better doctor-patient relationship in the long run.