Q - What am I offered when I call?
Q - When is Dr. Corbett available for House Calls and Hotel Calls?
Q - Does Dr. Corbett carry medication with him or will he write me a prescription?
Q - What if I don’t have insurance?
Q - Why would I call a house call Doctor when I have insurance?
Q - Why should I call Dr. Corbett instead of a large House Call Company?
Q - How long will it take for Dr. Corbett to arrive once I’ve contacted him?
Q - What kinds of conditions does Dr. Corbett treat?
Q - What kinds of illnesses can be treated at home?
Q - Does Dr. Corbett travel outside of San Diego to see patients?
Q - What happens when I call Dr. Corbett for a visit?
Q - What type of payment does Dr. Corbett accept?
Q - Does Dr. Corbett treat children?
Q - What are some common injuries/illnesses that a house/hotel call Doctor treats?
Q - What is “Concierge Service”?
Q - What am I offered when I call?
A - A general practice physician and surgeon (M.D.) who has practiced in California since 1964 with 50 years of experience in the field of medicine caring for you in your own home at a time you prefer or as soon as possible (usually within an hour and half). Phone consultations are possible for those whose case is familiar to the doctor but not available to new patients.
A - You could go to an Urgent Care or Emergency Room. Urgent Care Centers usually do not have late evening hours. UC and ERs usually mean long waits and can be very expensive (even with insurance) One is also exposed to the contagious illnesses of patients who have waited or are waiting in the Waiting Room. Patients are seen by priority not on a “first come first serve” basis. The ER physician is mandated to determine whether a case is life or limb threatening and if it is neither you will be sent home to call your own Doctor (if you have one) in the morning.
Q - When is Dr. Corbett available for House Calls and Hotel Calls?
A - For non-emergent care, Dr. Corbett attends patients seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., holidays excluded. All other hours are considered “emergency services”, and will be subject to additional charges. (See “Fees”)
Q - Does Dr. Corbett carry medication with him or will he write me a prescription?
A - Dr. Corbett can bring and dispense a short supply of some of the more common prescription medications and injectibles. Otherwise, he can leave you with prescriptions for whatever medicine is necessary.
Q - What if I don’t have insurance?
A - There will be a fee for service. Cash and credit card are both acceptable.
Q - Why would I call a house call Doctor when I have insurance?
A - There are many reasons. When you are not feeling well, your own home is the most comfortable place to be. Staying home means avoiding a long wait at an office or ER. It also means you won’t come into contact with other sick people who are waiting to see the Doctor. For many people, it makes financial sense. While you may have insurance that covers Emergency Room visits, your co-pay or out-of-pocket expense could equal or far exceed the cost of a house or hotel call. Some types of medical insurance will actually reimburse you for the cost of Dr. Corbett’s visit, especially if you are an out-of-town visitor. Ask your provider.
Q - Why should I call Dr. Corbett instead of a large House Call Company?
A - Not only will Dr. Corbett give you personalized attention and the benefit of his many years of experience, but he will also offer you an extremely competitive price. Dr. Corbett’s rates are up to 75% less of what you might pay with a big house call company. (That is because a large company has a great deal of overhead, and they pass that cost on to you!)
Q - How long will it take for Dr. Corbett to arrive once I’ve contacted him?
A - It depends on the situation. Ideally, he will see a patient 1-2 hours after a call is made. Outside factors such as previous appointments and driving distance may extend the window of arrival.
Q - What kinds of conditions does Dr. Corbett treat?
A - Any condition, illness or injury that is non-emergent and non-life or limb threatening.
Q - What kinds of illnesses can be treated at home?
A - Acute (sudden onset) medical problems or ones that seemed innocent initially but have persisted beyond what was anticipated are standard. A house call doctor frequently treats any illness that you would consider going to the Urgent Care for, including chronic or ongoing problems or those that flare up from time to time. Post operative care, wound care, post hospitalization care qualify, as well. Also possible are minor surgeries such as small skin lesion removal or ingrown toe nail treatment, skin biopsies and laceration repair, artificial airways, tracheostomy care, ostomy care in general and CPAP care. Medication refills and vaccinations are also treatment items. Some diagnostic portable analyzers enable bedside laboratory testing to be done, as well. Materials to be tested may be collected and prepared for the outside lab evaluations. These are many but not all of possibilities that can be accomplished on a house or hotel call visit.
Q - Does Dr. Corbett travel outside of San Diego to see patients?
A - Most of Dr. Corbett’s patients are located in San Diego County, but he does travel farther on occasion. Times and fees vary by distance.
Q - What happens when I call Dr. Corbett for a visit?
A - First, Dr. Corbett will interview you by phone. If your problem is not life- threatening, (requiring immediate attention in an ER) he will assess your injury or illness and make arrangements to come to your home, hotel or office. When he arrives to see you, he will have a custom-packed bag that will be tailored to aide your particular ailment. Depending on the situation, he will spend time taking vitals, performing various tests and administering medications, etc. as needed. Before he leaves, he will give you a thorough description of your ailment, its treatment and any follow-up directions. An average visit takes about an hour and a half. Doctor Corbett will follow up in one or two days with a phone call or, if necessary, a second scheduled house call.
Q - What type of payment does Dr. Corbett accept?
A - Cash and credit cards are accepted. Other forms of payment may be possible at the discretion of Dr. Corbett.
Q - Does Dr. Corbett treat children?
A - Definitely! Dr. Corbett has a strong background in family practice. He treats patients of every age. His specialty, (ear/nose/throat) comes in handy with kids. Dr. Corbett is also the father of 5 children and has 6 grandchildren of his own.
Q - What are some common injuries/illnesses that a house/hotel call Doctor treats?
A - While new situations arise every week, a few common calls include ear/throat/sinus infections, stomach flu, muscle spasms, migraines and bronchitis. Dr. Corbett visits long-term patients, too. Allergies, headaches, arthritis, fatigue and some chronic pain cases can be treated with ongoing therapy. Some patients prefer to subscribe to Dr. Corbett’s Concierge Service for all of their non-emergency medical needs.
Q - What is “Concierge Service”?
A - Concierge Service refers to a monthly or annual arrangement that allows a patient to access ongoing house calls with a level of priority. For a set fee, Dr. Corbett will make himself available to a limited number of clients, whose medical needs require multiple visits. This service is available to individuals, families and businesses.