Is there a doctor in the house?
The Washington Hospital Center initiated a geriatric medical and house call service for its local elderly population. Preliminary data shows that ER visits have been reduced by about 30 percent and admissions reduced by 10 percent, compared to the same patients in the year before enrollment. In most cases, the medical care is more effective, less costly, and more accessible for both the family and the health care system.
Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA. karl.e.dejonge@medstar.net
Eric
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De Jonge
George
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Taler
D000368:Aged; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D004219:District of Columbia; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005853:Geriatrics; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018575:Home Care Services, Hospital-Based / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006786:Hospitals, Urban / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006792:House Calls; D006801:Humans