Important: This is an informational article to explain how house call doctor visits can benefit seniors. DailyCaring isn’t a medical organization, we aren’t medical professionals, and we aren’t affiliated with any healthcare organizations. We aren’t qualified to respond to any medical questions.
House call doctor visits benefit older adults and caregivers
Getting your older adult to the doctor’s office for an appointment can be difficult or sometimes impossible.
Whether they’re frail, can’t walk on their own, or have Alzheimer’s or dementia, getting out of the house is hard on both of you. Going to a doctor’s office can also expose seniors to germs or harsh weather.
We explain what a house call doctor is, what type of insurance they accept, how to find one, and what to look for in terms of services.
What is a house call doctor?
Today, many doctors are bringing back the old practice of visiting patients in their homes. With house calls, older adults don’t have to go through the stress and difficulty of getting to the doctor’s office. And neither do you.
Another bonus is that these doctors usually spend more time with patients. You won’t have to fit all your questions into a 15 minute visit.
Just remember that house calls aren’t for emergency situations (call 911 instead). They’re basically like a regular office visit.
Do they accept Medicare?
Yes, many house call doctors accept Medicare, private insurance, and sometimes Medicaid. It usually costs the same as a regular office visit.
But every house call doctor is different, so make sure you understand their fees and accepted insurance plans before making an appointment.
How to find a house call doctor
Some large health care systems like Kaiser Permanente or the VA have programs that include home visits by doctors and nurses. For example, Kaiser’s home-based palliative care program includes house calls.
Even your older adult isn’t part of a large health network, it’s worthwhile to ask your older adult’s doctor if they have home doctor visit programs.
The American Academy of Home Care Medicine’s provider directory is another way to locate a house call doctor in your area.
You can also use Google to search for “house call doctor” + your city or county or “home doctor visit” + your city or county (don’t include the quotation marks).
What to look for in a house call doctor
Before booking an appointment, make sure you understand the doctor’s services, fees, and billing.
Questions to ask:
- Do you specialize in treating seniors, people with Alzheimer’s or dementia, or those with multiple chronic conditions?
- Do you accept Medicare, Medicaid, or my older adult’s private insurance plan?
- If we want, can we also keep my older adult’s primary care doctor?
- Will you communicate with my older adult’s existing doctors and specialists so their care is coordinated?
Examples of house call doctor private practices
We want to be clear that we’re not recommending any specific home doctor services or companies and aren’t affiliated with any of these businesses. These are examples to give you an idea of what a house call doctor looks like and the type of services that are typically offered.
Examples of what a house call doctor looks like:
Recommended for you:
- 4 Expert Tips for Managing Multiple Chronic Health Conditions in Seniors
- 7 Tips for Helping Seniors at the Doctor: Being a Health Advocate
- Should Seniors See a Geriatrician?
By DailyCaring Editorial Team
Image: Now It Counts
This article wasn’t sponsored and doesn’t contain affiliate links. For more information, see How We Make Money.
Tony Carrancho
My parent s lives in [redacted for privacy]. How do i get started locating a house call doctor. I am pretty sure there insurance covers this. Thank you. TONY
DailyCaring
We hope the tips and suggestions in the article above will help you find a house call doctor in your parents’ local area.
Susan Quercio
My 95 year old father has a deep cough and he is disoriented.
Temp 99 degrees.
DailyCaring
Please contact your father’s doctor immediately or the local hospital to find out how to safely get him examined by a doctor (to reduce risk of exposure to Covid-19).
DailyCaring isn’t a medical organization, we aren’t medical professionals, and we aren’t affiliated with any healthcare organizations.
Ruby m VanNostern
I live in [redacted for privacy] and need a doctor visit in home.
DailyCaring
This article includes suggestions for how you can find house call doctor services in your area. At DailyCaring, we aren’t doctors and don’t provide any medical services. We hope you’re able to find a great house call doctor in your area.
Stewart Goldman
need Doctor for a home visit Andrews N.C.
DailyCaring
This article includes suggestions for how you can find house call doctor services in your area. At DailyCaring, we aren’t doctors and don’t provide any medical services. We hope you’re able to find a great house call doctor in your area.
Joseph Artusa
I need a doctor
DailyCaring
This article includes suggestions for how you can find house call doctor services in your area. At DailyCaring, we aren’t doctors and don’t provide any medical services. We hope you’re able to find a great house call doctor in your area.
Linda Williams
I was released from the hospital on Thursday after 5 days.I am not able to go to Dr office but most definitely need to be checked.Still having breaking problems and am very week.I have severe asthma and blood pressure was running very high from so much steroids.Could I possibly get help.Thanks so much.
DailyCaring
I’m so sorry to hear that you’re not feeling well. Since you’re noticing some issues with your recovery, it’s essential to call your primary doctor immediately. Since they’re the ones who have been treating you and are familiar with your recent hospitalization, they’re the best people to advise you on what you need. If you need help getting to your doctor’s office, you may want to contact your local Area Agency on Aging or a ride sharing service. Or, use the tips in this article to search for a doctor in your area who makes house calls.
Here are some articles that may be helpful:
— 8 Ridesharing Services for Seniors https://dailycaring.com/8-ridesharing-services-for-seniors/
— 6 Affordable Senior Transportation Options https://dailycaring.com/6-affordable-senior-transportation-options/
— Local Community Resources for Seniors and Caregivers: Area Agency on Aging (to connect you with local organizations that may be able to help) https://dailycaring.com/local-community-resources-for-seniors-and-caregivers-area-agency-on-aging/
— 4 Ways to Know If Seniors Need to Return to the Hospital https://dailycaring.com/4-ways-to-know-if-seniors-need-to-return-to-the-hospital/
(DailyCaring doesn’t provide any services and isn’t affiliated with any medical providers.)
Janiece
What areas do you service?
DailyCaring
This article explains that house call doctor services are available and could help senior and caregivers. We also share suggestions for finding one in your area, but we do not provide any services ourselves. I hope you’re able to find a great local house call doctor!
Marie
What areas do you service
DailyCaring
This article includes suggestions for finding house call doctor services in your area. We at DailyCaring aren’t doctors and don’t provide any medical services. I hope you’re able to find a great house call doctor in your area.
mike jared
need a home care doctor
DailyCaring
I hope the information above helps you find a great home care doctor in your area.