St. Luke’s Hospice doctor makes house calls
May 26, 2008
An old tradition is making a comeback in Cedar Rapids – doctors making house calls. After nearly two decades in private practice in Marion, James Bell, MD, started working fulltime for St. Luke’s Hospice and Palliative Care earlier this year.
“Advances in medicine are allowing people to live longer,” said Dr. Bell. “At the same time, we are finding out that our ability to prolong life has limits. Patients with cancer, heart failure, chronic lung disease and renal failure all reach a stage where treatment is no longer curative, but mainly supportive.”
St. Luke’s Hospice provides that care at a patients home, care center or Hospice house.
“There are numerous advantages to making a home visit,” said Dr. Bell. “I am able to look at the patient’s living environment and often see things that affect care significantly that would otherwise not have been obvious.”
Dr. Bell averages about 200 miles a week visiting Hospice patients living within a 50 mile radius of Cedar Rapids. There are no additional costs for a home visit.
Individuals can learn more about St. Luke’s Hospice by calling 319/369-7744.
MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Corizzo, St. Luke’s Hospital, 319/369-8372 or 319/560-2385.
