What do you usually do when you’re feeling under the weather or get hurt? Like many, you probably go the traditional route and see a doctor. However, in cases where you have no form of reliable transportation or are dealing with uncomfortable symptoms, leaving the house can be less than ideal or even impossible. Patients in these situations have the option of receiving in-home care from DispatchHealth. Think of us a 21st-century, modern-day house call, filling in the gaps between primary care doctors and urgent care clinics.
Home Field Advantage: What DispatchHealth Can Do
We understand that getting to a doctor’s office can be difficult, so DispatchHealth delivers care for acute, immediate health needs right to patients’ homes. For every home visit, we send a team of medical professionals consisting of a physician assistant or nurse practitioner along with a DispatchHealth medical technician (DHMT). An ER Physician is also always available via phone. This knowledgeable and experienced team is equipped with various medical tools and equipment, allowing us to treat a wide range of conditions. Below is just a small example of what we can treat:
Additionally, DispatchHealth can help people with chronic disorders like congestive heart failure or COPD manage exacerbations related to their conditions. We can even stitch minor cuts or lacerations and take x-rays for suspected bone fractures.
The Away Team Wears White (Coats): When to See a Doctor
While DispatchHealth serves patients in a variety of ways, our goal isn’t to replace the care provided by your primary care physicians. It’s important to continue seeing your regular doctors for many reasons, including reviewing any medication you’re taking, discussing any issues you may be experiencing, and talking about your health in general. After all, your primary care physician knows your health the best and can provide the proper medical services, screenings, and treatment.
Immediate health conditions are a slightly different story. DispatchHealth is a great option for acute issues, but more serious cases should warrant a trip to the emergency room, including:
- Loss of consciousness
- Moderate to severe shortness of breath
- Confusion or hallucinations
- Severe abdominal pain
- Loss of vision
- Chest pain
- Stroke symptoms
You should call 911 if you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms, or during any other life- or limb-threatening emergency.
A Dream Team: The Right Doctors & DispatchHealth
Ultimately, doctors and DispatchHealth shouldn’t be pit against each other. Instead, you can think of us as your home healthcare team and doctors as the away healthcare team. DispatchHealth will provide patients with the care they need in between visits to see their primary care physicians. After we visit a patient’s home, we’ll send their doctor a detailed medical report and refer them for any necessary follow-up care.
Schedule an appointment with DispatchHealth through our website or over the phone.
For life-threatening and time-sensitive injuries and illnesses, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. DispatchHealth shouldn’t be used in a life-threatening emergency and doesn’t replace a primary care provider.
Sources
DispatchHealth relies only on authoritative sources, including medical associations, research institutions, and peer-reviewed medical studies.
Sources referenced in this article:
https://www.templehealth.org/about/blog/why-its-important-to-see-your-doctor
