What was a common practice among physicians in the 1700s regarding patient visits?

In the 1700s, it was common for physicians to make house calls to attend to patients in their homes. This practice reflected the healthcare delivery model of the time, where medical care was primarily provided in a patient's living environment rather than in a formal office or hospital setting. Making house calls allowed physicians to assess and treat patients in a familiar context, which was especially important at a time when many people had limited mobility or access to transportation.

The concept of telehealth consultations did not exist in the 1700s, as communication and technology were not sufficiently advanced to support such practices. Charging flat fees for visits was also not a standard practice at this time; physicians often charged varying fees based on the patient's circumstances and the nature of the treatment. Additionally, while hospitals began to emerge during this period, most medical care occurred outside of those institutions, and physicians frequently relied on home visits to provide care and build rapport with their patients. Thus, making house calls stands out as the common practice among physicians during that era.