when did doctors stop making these? Was it in the early 70s? And why did they stop?

Good question Joe. I think it was earlier than the early 70s. In the early 60s, I was a baby, and I recall our family doctor, with his black leather doctor's bag. He had delivered all four of my Mom's children (in the hospital).

He would come for simple issues, i.e., the common cold, chicken pox, strep throat, etc. I think it was over by the 70s, but I could be wrong.

I agree with Janice. Anyway around here it was probably late 50's-early 60's.

Why did they stop? Well, like everything else so many doctors became "specialized" and had a huge patient roster. The "country doctor" became obsolete. Our old country doctor was very good. He had a small office in our "one horse" town. LOL

I remember him smoking a cigar during an examination! But he was a good doctor and cured our childhood ills! And yes, he made house calls! The good old days!:happyface

I will go with early to late 60's,depending on the market.
As patients' lost control of there out of pocket payment,with the popularity of Private Health Care Insurance,Medicare and Medicaid in 1966,most of the
payment was not coming from them,and this was at a time when people's
time became more valuable as incomes increased.

Very simple.

Doctor's stopped making house calls because they make more money seeing one patient after another in their office than dragging around to everyone's house.

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/photopost/data/708/Is_There_a_Doctor_in_the_House.jpg

The Brady's had two doctors make a house call at the same time!