Convenient Medicine

In the current trend of medical professionals accommodating your hectic schedule, you've already heard that you can find a doctor online, get prescriptions and referrals on the web from your doctor and even get a checkup at the airport. But maybe you're so busy that even that is too difficult for you.

In another sign that doctors are willing to bend over backwards to meet your needs, the house call is making a comeback.

Now called the "concierge" service, more doctors are able to come to your home, whether it's for a routine check up or if you think you're coming down with strep throat. These doctors are equipped with much of the same equipment that is available in a doctors office—they can even take blood and do an EKG from the privacy of your living room. This service also gives patients the added benefit of having more face time with their doctors. Most visits to a doctor's office last about 10 minutes, while the concierge service can last up to 30 minutes.

Also, it turns out that this service is not only beneficial to the patient, but doctors who offer these modern services find their profits increasing. Without a giant office to staff, they have a much lower overhead.

Chances are your doctor might not be so quick to catch on to this trend just yet, and depending on the severity of your health diagnosis you may be required to go to the office. But maybe, just maybe, that futuristic dream of being diagnosed by your doctor through a videophone isn't that far away. [MSNBC.com]