In a scene reminiscent of the beloved Marcus Welby, M.D. days, house calls are making a meaningful comeback in San Diego County—bringing personalized care, extended visits, and life-saving interventions to older adults.

Programs offered by several health insurers now deploy nurse practitioners into patients’ homes, delivering preventive care and connecting residents to essential social services. These visits, often lasting up to an hour, go far beyond a typical doctor’s appointment.

According to the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, San Diego County outperforms the state and national averages in population health. Only 16% of San Diego adults rate their health as “fair” or “poor,” compared to 18% statewide.

But numbers only tell part of the story. Take Jack, for example. After feeling winded one day, his nurse practitioner noticed dangerously high blood pressure—217/110—and insisted he see a doctor. Tests revealed a 97% blockage in a critical artery. A timely stent saved his life. “She’s my guardian angel,” Jack said.

Then there’s Sue, whose calf pain turned out to be a circulation issue that could have led to amputation. Her nurse practitioner’s quick action preserved her health and her independence.

Colleen, one of the dedicated nurse practitioners, says this model helps “put out fires before they ever start.”

What’s old is new again—and in San Diego, this revival of the house call is quietly transforming lives.