HOUSE CALLS FILL A MEDICAL NEED IN COMMUNITY

A doctors' clinic that makes house calls?

It's unusual in this age of high-tech medicine. But sometimes a return to old-fashioned services can be welcomed, especially for those in need.

The Midtown Family Medical Clinic is trying to resurrect the practice of house calls. The house calls are made by a nurse practitioner as opposed to a doctor and are limited to patients who simply can't make it to the clinic.

It might be an older person who has trouble getting around or who lacks transportation. Such a service is a real bonus to these homebound individuals. Many of these patients must depend on the kindness of others to get a ride to the doctor. But sometimes the rides don't come or are delayed.

The clinic was opened earlier this year by the Craftsman Independent Union to serve its members. It then kindly extended its services to nearby residents.

There are other programs that offer in-home nursing services, but those are more for long-term care. Most of the clinic's house calls will be to help patients who need their blood pressure monitored or those with colds, flu and infections. Some illnesses that can come up suddenly and put a hardship on people who depend on others for transportation.

Nurse practitioners are registered nurses with additional training to work with a physician. They can prescribe medications with the exception of controlled substances. Nurse practitioners are becoming more common in many area physicians' offices as a way to better meet patient demand.

Those interested in this service can call the clinic about their needs. The clinic expects to serve about 10 to 15 patients per week in their homes.

This house-call service is just a nice way to meet to the needs of nearby residents. It should underscore the fact this clinic is trying to serve its neighborhood with its daily medical needs.