Cost Containment Without Compromising Care...
Cost controls have emerged as a priority concern and compelling force for the overhaul of America's healthcare system.

Call Doctor is the solution for the daunting problems which plague federal government and healthcare payors. Among these are over-utilization of ambulances, high emergency room costs. Government reports note that hundreds of millions of dollars are wasted each year just on medically unnecessary transportation. By the end of 1999, newly enacted legislation will restrict Medicare patients from using this "free" transportation to the emergency room.

Further, it is widely recognized that emergency rooms are the most inefficient and costly places to receive primary care. Approximately 80-85% of the 100 million ER visits each year are not necessary to save life or limb. When a patient does reach the emergency room, studies have shown that they receive tests and procedures which can easily be accomplished by Call Doctor physicians in the home.

Recognized value
Acceptance of the Call Doctor concept is affirmed through coverage under Medicare, private insurance, and Workers Compensation insurance. Last January, the Health Care Finance Administration (HCFA) approved a doubling of maximum reimbursement for urgent housecalls. Another significant change is the allowance for the first time of nurse practitioners to make housecalls.