Just like the iconic image of a Doctor With Bag, house calls are making a significant comeback. To be prepared, a modern doctor’s bag needs to be well-equipped. Speaking of bags, check out this stylish one from Gustin, pictured here!
Inside my doctor’s bag, I ensure I have the essentials for immediate patient care. This includes cotton swabs, various sizes of bandages, and alcohol wipes for sterilization. For diagnostics, a reliable blood pressure cuff, a digital thermometer, a pulse oximeter to check oxygen saturation, and a stethoscope are indispensable. Nitrile gloves are a must for hygiene and safety, and a diagnostic set, crucially with an otoscope for ear examinations, rounds out the basic equipment.
Beyond the basics, depending on the patient’s needs and pre-visit assessment, my doctor’s bag is adaptable. For patients experiencing joint pain, I often carry pre-filled syringes with lidocaine and triamcinolone for on-the-spot joint injections, commonly for knee or shoulder issues.
Blood draws are another service sometimes required during a house call. For this, I pack butterfly needles, along with both tiger-top tubes and lavender tubes to collect different blood samples. Typically, I perform blood draws towards the end of the visit, allowing me to transport the samples directly to the lab to process the serum separator tubes promptly.
The Resurgence of House Calls: Why “Doctor with Bag” Visits Matter
My commitment to house calls stems from a core belief: healthcare must be both affordable and, crucially, accessible. The aspect of accessibility is particularly vital for elderly and disabled patients for whom leaving home is a significant barrier to healthcare. This challenge is amplified in areas like Detroit, where transportation limitations affect a considerable portion of the population.
