Some people assume that because DispatchHealth’s mobile teams administer care in the comfort of patients’ homes, we’re limited in what we can treat. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, DispatchHealth can treat almost everything that an emergency room (ER) can, including medically complex acute care illnesses and injuries.
We’re able to offer such a wide range of medical care because our experienced clinical teams are equipped with medical kits containing tools and technologies that allow them to perform a variety of advanced tests and treatments. Our kits include, but are not limited to:
- Advanced on-site blood tests
- Bronchodilator administration
- Catheter insertion: Foley, Coudé, and suprapubic
- Incision and drainage of skin lesions
- IV fluids: medications and antibiotics
- IV medications: diuretics, steroids, antibiotics, and antiemetics
- IV placement
- Nasal packing and cautery
- Nebulizer treatments
- Rapid infectious disease testing (COVID, flu, strep, and mono)
- Simple and complex laceration repair: sutures or staples
- Splinting injured extremities
- 12-lead EKG
Our teams even carry a pharmacy with oral and IV medications that can be administered on the scene. And if patients need any medications that we don’t have available, we’ll take care of calling in the prescription for them.
Commonly Treated Conditions
Some of the illnesses and injuries that we most commonly treat include:
- Respiratory infections such the common cold, influenza (the flu), and pneumonia
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations
- Congestive heart failure (CHF) exacerbations
- Gastrointestinal illnesses such as Crohn’s disease exacerbations, diarrhea, diverticulitis, food poisoning, and severe constipation
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Severe skin infections such as cellulitis
- Minor traumatic injuries such as bruises, fractures, sprains, and strains
- Cuts, lacerations, and abrasions
- Nosebleeds
- Dehydration
We even provide at-home care for coronavirus (COVID-19). You’ll be glad to know that in addition to the surgical masks, gloves, and protective eyewear that we use at every visit, we also wear N95 respirator masks, gowns, and shoe covers for any patient experiencing respiratory and/or COVID-19 symptoms. We also take additional precautions such as wiping down our medical cases and equipment before and after every visit.
How Much Does It Cost?
Considering the wide array of conditions that DispatchHealth treats, you might assume that our services are at a premium. One of our visits typically costs the same out-of-pocket amount as a trip to an in-network urgent care center, and we’re in-network with most insurance carriers (the percentage of the total bill that the patient is responsible for will be determined by their insurance plan). So, if a patient’s condition prevents them from leaving their home for treatment, they won’t need to worry about receiving a high bill for the care they need. Plus, we handle billing with insurance companies for patients’ convenience. We’ve made it a goal to work closely with payers and various other healthcare partners to increase access and reduce the total cost of care.
How to Request Treatment
When someone is in need of prompt in-home medical care, they can request a visit from DispatchHealth by calling us or visiting our website or mobile app. Once they’ve scheduled a visit, we’ll arrive within just a few hours and begin administering the treatment they need.
To learn more about the many conditions that DispatchHealth can treat, contact us today.
* Please note: 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.