Dr. Damanpreet Jamarai
Chief medical officer, UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement of California
In Siskiyou County, residents are now enjoying something reminiscent of older classic television shows, harkening back to simpler times. Remember the old Marcus Welby, MD TV show? The doctor, with a kind bedside manner, made house calls and was on a first-name basis with many of his patients. After his examination, he would console the family and announce, “Don’t worry, she’ll be just fine.”
But what’s old is new again as actual house calls are making a comeback, providing better access and improved outcomes here in Siskiyou County. Many older adults are now benefiting from programs being offered through many health insurers who bring nurse practitioners and their preventive care skills into the homes of older adults. The nurse practitioners spend up to an hour with patients, checking their health and helping them make connections to other social services so they can live a better, more independent life.
