Mass. paramedics aim to bring back house calls

Several Massachusetts ambulance companies want to allow paramedics to make house calls, treating patients where they live instead of taking them to hospitals. The idea is to expand paramedics’ role to that of a provider who not only responds to emergencies but also helps prevent them, treating patients with infections, minor wounds, injuries from falls, and problems associated with chronic diseases like diabetes and congestive heart failure. Paramedics already play a role in home care in other states, such as Texas, Colorado, and Minnesota, but Massachusetts currently has no specific regulations regarding paramedics providing home care services.

Source: Boston Globe