Having doctors who visit patients in their hotel rooms can make a great addition to any hotel’s concierge office. It is an option often extended to the wealthy and to celebrities, but VIP medical treatment can be given to others, as well. Clients of luxury hotels can become ill or injured while they are on the property, and they may not want to be transported to a local doctor. That can be especially true if the injury or illness is one that could cause them embarrassment, or if they would be recognized by paparazzi or others who may take pictures or create headlines regarding their medical needs.
Having a high-quality, well-vetted doctor come to them is the heart of hospitality medicine. Medical care is another perk in that way, like an upgraded room, excellent room service, or other options that would be expected in staying in a luxury property, traveling on a private plane, or living a more high-profile life. When high-end clients know that they can receive hospitality medicine options through a particular hotel, they will be more likely to choose that hotel so they can get the added benefit of that personal, medical touch.
What Kind of Doctors Offer Hospitality Medicine?
Medical professionals who want to offer new and better services to their patients may get involved with hospitality medicine. It is no secret that hospitality is very important to patients, and in the past that mostly related to how patients who came into a medical practice were treated. However, taking the medical practice to the patient provides even more hospitality. The idea of house calls is essentially what hospitality medicine offers. The doctor comes to the patient, instead of the other way around, but they aren’t coming to the patients’ homes.
Instead, they are getting into private planes, working closely with hotels, and heading to specific – and sometimes exotic – locales to work with resorts and others that see the value in offering medical services to their clientele. As they work with hotels and other organizations, they employ cutting-edge techniques and technological options to ensure the very best in patient care. With the ability of computers to handle so much today, much smaller and more advanced equipment can be carried by these medical professionals, allowing them to perform a number of tests and make diagnoses without the need for a hospital or other full medical facility.
The House Call is Becoming Popular Again
House calls are coming back, as well. The idea that doctors have gone to the homes of celebrities and other high-profile individuals is nothing new and not that surprising. However, having doctors going to the homes of other people was mostly a thing of the past. Years ago, doctors commonly made house calls. They delivered babies, attended to the sick and the dying, and just checked in on their patients. People weren’t forced to go to the doctor’s office for many different types of procedures, and a lot of their concerns could be handled at home. That was especially important in private or delicate matters.
With the rising popularity of hospitality medicine, the house call is starting to happen again. It is not just for celebrities anymore, as more and more people realize that they can get the care they want without leaving their home. They may pay a bit more for that option, but they may also feel as though that little extra price is well worth the convenience and the comfort provided to them. They don’t need to be celebrities in order to have a doctor on call who will come to them. Telemedicine is a part of that, where patients can “see” a doctor online from their own home, as well.
No matter whether it’s at their house, on a plane, in a hotel, or somewhere else, patients are enjoying the opportunity to have a doctor come to them. More high-profile individuals and those who have the option are selecting hotels and other locations that have hospitality medicine as part of their offerings. It’s just good business.