Aging in place.  Home health.  Home services.

These are the buzzwords we are hearing now as baby boomers are starting to age and wish to remain in their homes and communities rather than “retirement facilities”, nursing homes or other such places.

Dr. Joseph Hylinski is a podiatrist who retired from normal practice in 2014.  He did full scope podiatric services including ingrown nails, heel spurs, diabetic wounds as well as being board-certified in foot and ankle surgery performing bunionectomies, hammertoe corrections and the like.

In 2014 it was time to retire or so he thought.  After two years which were truly a sabbatical blessing he still wanted to use his foot care skills, albeit on a limited basis.  Going back into regular practice would have required a full-time commitment.  Foot care house calls were a “need” that he recognized while in practice and was something that he could fulfill using these skills.

While in normal practice he could not afford to take the time required to perform house visits although the need was there.  He did these house visits for long-time patients who now could not come into the office or when required by insurance companies but with huge restrictions.  Even then, he could not do too many of them because he could not take time away from his primary office based practice.

The question then became how could he  meld his skills with this need.  A part-time house calls only practice truly became win – win.  He could reduce the overhead a practice requires by eliminating having an office, staff and surgical malpractice.  He would limit his practice to part-time to allow flexibility.  He would restrict payment to only cash, check or credit card.  No insurance middleman.

This also eliminated many restrictions imposed by the insurance companies.  Now the only criteria necessary are – do you want and need this service and are you willing to pay for it.  Charges are kept as reasonable as possible – less than $100 per visit.  They are now only $85.  Try to get any home service for that price.

In order to do this he also must limit the type of service to primary foot care only – nail care, ingrown nails, corns and calluses.  If you need more involved services – heel Spurs, wound care, surgery, or orthotics – use your insurance and go to your local podiatrist office – he’ll even refer you to one if need be.

This practice will help you age in place if you want – if you are unable to get to your podiatrist, are bedridden, no ride, problem walking or just have problems getting out and about, he will come to you.  It can be a practice of convenience for you and your family.  The cost of coming out to your home is much less than having a son or daughter, niece or nephew take a half a day or a full day off from work ,just to take you to the doctor’s office.

Normal home visit days are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM to 3 PM but as stated before this is a very flexible they will work with you for a convenient visit.  Areas serviced are those within 30 – 45 min. or 10 to 15 miles from Blue Bell Pennsylvania.  This includes such varied areas such as Collegeville, Phoenixville, Villanova, Ardmore, Berwyn, Warrington and Montgomeryville and all areas in between.  Of course close areas such as Roxborough, Chestnut Hill, Ambler, Lafayette Hill and Plymouth are Prime areas of service.

Aging in place – here’s another tool in your toolbox.

 

Background information: Dr. Hylinski is a board-certified podiatrist who has been in practice since 1977.  Graduated from PCPM now Temple school of Podiatric Medicine.  Practiced from 1977 to 2014 in Roxborough, Pennsylvania.  Retired in 2014 but reactivated his license in 2016 to begin this house call practice.  He also works part-time as a Standard Patient and Physical Training Associate at PCOM and Villanova school of Nursing.  He has produced a demo for voice over work and enjoys golf.  He has been mentioned on Conan O’Brien’s TV show by Tina Fey having treated her uncle and used him in his advertising.  His wife Barbara has had a successful kidney transplant for 25 years this year after a successful teaching career.

For further information, please call 215-542-7966 or 610-256-1682 or email at jhspritzer@comcast.net.