A new health care company, specializing in house calls, has opened in Buffalo. Landmark Medical, based in California, has opened a headquarters at the Larkin Center for Commerce. WBFO's Eileen Buckley says the service offers an extension of primary care for those most chronically ill, homebound or bed-bound patients.
"He had open heart surgery. He's had a pacemaker and now, since then he has had what I call faint spells," said Shirley Marx.
Marx was describing several serious health problems her elderly husband, Ronald, is suffering from. He has been hospitalized seven times. But Marx says she avoided another trip to the hospital by reaching out to Landmark for a home visit.
"I thought I could call Dr. Ram so I called him. He said he would be there in an hour," said Marx. "He came out and Ron did not have to go to the hospital."
Dr. Raghu Ram, Regional Medical Director at Landmark, has a team of doctors and nurse practitioners. http://youtu.be/EjopOy9QAC0
Landmark is teaming with BlueCross Blue Shield. Once members are enrolled in Landmark they can receive the care 24/7. The service is helping elderly avoid lengthy waits for care in doctor offices or emergency rooms.
"What we are starting with his patients who have Medicare insurance," said Dr. Ram. "They are able to bring care to the home and bring it in a very efficient way for these patients."
The medical group is already serving close to 1,000 area patients and the new company has created 70 new local jobs.
Ram did admit by providing 'house call' service, it could create a challenge in recruiting future doctors that are willing to go to a patient's home.