House call

A house call is a visit to the home of a patient or client by a doctor or other professional. In some locations, families used to pay dues to a particular practice to underwrite house calls.

History

In the early 1960s, house calls by doctors were 40% of doctor-patient meetings. By 1980, it was only 0.6%. Reasons include increased specialization and technology. In the 1990s, team home care, including physician visits, was a small but growing field in health care, for frail older people with chronic illnesses, but then 2000 health agencies went out of business.

The reasons for fewer house calls include lack of physician education, concerns about providing low-quality care in the home, time inefficiency, inconvenience, and lower pay. Yet, there are more and more doctors who like the idea of no office overhead. Also, it can provide safe access to care by people who are ill. Today, house calls may be making a revival among the wealthy through concierge telemedicine.

Canada

In 2012 as part of its Action Plan for Healthcare the province of Ontario actively expanded funding for access to house calls with its primary focus being on seniors and those with physical limitations making it difficult for travel outside the home. Residents of Ontario with valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan cards are able to take advantage of the house call system, and arrange for appointments with physicians at their home.

Charmed (season 5)

The fifth season of Charmed, an American supernatural drama television series, began airing on September 22, 2002 on The WB. Airing on Sundays at 8:00 pm, the season consisted of 23 episodes and concluded its airing on May 11, 2003. Paramount Home Entertainment released the complete fifth season in a six-disc box set on June 6, 2006.

Synopsis

Phoebe tries to divorce Cole, who has come back from the demonic wasteland after being vanquished. Leo tries to convince Piper that she cannot be as active as before now that she is pregnant. As Piper becomes less available for demon-hunting duties, Paige decides to quit her job so she can practice the craft more and develop her skills as a witch. Meanwhile, Phoebe's career as an advice columnists soars, turning her into a local celebrity. Though Cole initially intends to be good, his demonic powers and Phoebe's constant rejection of him cause him to turn completely evil. As Piper worries about what evil might be coming for her unborn child, Phoebe starts a relationship with her boss and finally vanquishes Cole for good. Piper gives birth to a baby boy, Wyatt Halliwell.