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.