What does the doctor bring to a house call?

The mobile practice, what is in the doctor's bag

A modern house-call doctor carries far more diagnostics than most patients expect. The standard bag holds the classic examination kit, stethoscope, manual and digital blood-pressure monitors, reflex hammer, headlamp, otoscope, spatula and torch for the throat, pulse oximeter for oxygen saturation, thermometer, glucose meter with strips. Add a mobile three- or six-channel ECG that delivers an interpretable trace within 5 minutes and decides on the spot (for chest pain, palpitations or dizziness) whether hospital admission or ambulatory observation is the right next step.

For acute work-ups we carry validated rapid tests: Influenza A/B, RSV, SARS-CoV-2, Streptococcus A for sore throat, mononucleosis, pregnancy test, urine dipstick for suspected UTI, occult-blood test. These tests yield a clear result in 5 to 15 minutes and frequently spare the patient transfer to A&E or waiting for practice lab results. For treatment we carry emergency medication, intramuscular adrenaline for anaphylaxis, small-volume oxygen, IV steroids, antiemetics for severe vomiting, injectable analgesics, circulation support, glucose for hypoglycaemia, antihistamines.

What we do not bring: lab equipment for full blood counts, imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, CT) or major surgical care beyond small wound suturing. Where such investigations become necessary we organise the next step, practice appointment the next working day, fast-track radiology slot, or admission to the appropriate hospital. Prescriptions are issued on the spot; for urgent medication we name the nearest 24-hour pharmacy. Sick-notes are handed over on site or sent digitally afterwards. The mobile practice covers everything a well-equipped GP could deliver in the office without imaging, just at your home or hotel room instead.

Example: suspected bronchitis at a Berlin hotel

A business traveller at a hotel near Potsdamer Platz complains of cough, fever and chest pain on breathing. The doctor auscultates the lungs, no signs of pneumonia, classic bronchitic picture. Oxygen saturation reads 96 percent, normal. An influenza rapid test turns positive, a CRP rapid test makes a bacterial cause unlikely. The doctor prescribes an antiviral (if early enough), symptom relief and issues a five-day sick-note. All decisions on the spot, no hospital trip, no lab wait.

In detail, devices, tests, medication

• Examination: stethoscope, BP monitor (manual + digital), pulse oximeter, thermometer, reflex hammer, otoscope, headlamp.
• On-site diagnostics: mobile ECG (3- or 6-channel), glucose meter, urine dipstick.
• Rapid tests: Influenza A/B, RSV, SARS-CoV-2, Strep A, mononucleosis, pregnancy, occult blood.
• Emergency drugs: adrenaline (i.m.), steroids (i.v.), antihistamines, antiemetics, injectable analgesics, glucose, circulation support.
• Oxygen: small volume for acute use, no maintenance therapy.
• Dressings: sterile gauze, plasters, elastic bandages, suture kit for small lacerations.
• Paperwork: prescription pad, sick-note forms (digital + paper), referrals.
• Hygiene: disposable gloves, disinfectant, masks, FFP2 where indicated.