Video: Doctor home visits making a comeback

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SEATTLE - Back in the 1930's, almost half of all doctor-patient visits were house calls. Fifty years later, that number dropped to less than one percent.

Now, house calls are making a bit of a comeback.

Providence Elderplace offers healthcare and social services for adults. Some patients benefit from getting out and making visits to the center. Other patients can become really agitated or they're so frail the visit can do more harm than good. That's why Providence Elderplace and other providers are embracing the old fashioned house call.

Dr. Sarah Babineau has a habit of making herself at home in her patient's homes. Today, she's visiting John Devine in his apartment at the El Dorado West Retirement Community.

Babineau makes house calls with Seattle's Providence Elderplace. She's one of a growing number of doctors taking back the past.

"It's kind of nice to be able to be one of those old fashioned doctors in the new, modern world," said Babineau.

It may seem like a luxury, but insurance companies are learning house calls can save big money by preventing hospital admissions. If it weren't for Babineau, Devine wouldn't see a doctor as much as he should because he likes to stay right where he is.

"I specialize in inactivity," said Devine.

Babineau feels she gets a better picture of a patient's health by seeing them in their own environment.

Babineau says he likes "everything" about the doctor.

"But don't tell her, you'll ruin our relationship," said Devine.

And he's isn't the only one who feels fortunate.

"I really think I have the best job in the world," said Babineau.

Babineau has about 60 patients. She tries to visit each one once a month. She prefers to spend time with them in their home as opposed to in her office.

Babineau is not the only doctor making house calls. A few others in the Puget Sound region also make them as well.