In the 1930’s, 40% of U.S. doctors would make house call visits.  That number sharply decreased by the 1950’s to 10% of U.S. doctors making house call visits, and less than 1% by 1980. There were several reasons why this decline happened, such as, inefficient use of a doctor’s time since a doctor can be available and see more patients in an office then home visits, travel time, costs, and extremely limited capability.  Years ago, most essential medical equipment and tests were not portable.  Fortunately with technology and better reimbursement rates, traveling medical professionals are making a comeback. 

Is there a need for traveling medical professionals?

In 2022, the U.S. house calls market was valued at $537.7 million and rising.   This growth is because more people are demanding for cost-efficient, accessible, and convenient services for health and wellness.  Plus, house calls are expected to reduce the hospital expenditures for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions.   It is anticipated that the house call market will experience an exponential growth in the coming years due to affordable, effective, and convenient on-demand healthcare services provided by these practices.

What changed?

The Federal government took initiatives to support house call providers by relaxing the restrictions on telehealth which includes house calls, e-consultations, and other similar services in Medicare and Medicaid for providing better reimbursement to physicians.  In addition, some states within the U.S. with less than full-practice authority require a nurse practitioners to work as part of a physician practice or enter into a contract with a physician to provide medical care within a hospital, doctor’s office, or a patient’s home.  This in turn increased the availability of care providers.

Furthermore, technology has made it easier for physicians and their patients through app-based on-demand house call services.  These apps are convenient, timesaving, and a cost-saving option, especially for patients with acute health problems and home care is their best option.  These services are reducing hospitalization time for patients, and saving costs for them, especially for long-term chronic care.

In addition, there is a need to reduce healthcare expenditures in the U.S. since current healthcare expenditures are impacting how the U.S. is meeting the needs and competitiveness of the industry.   Through house calls and telemedicine, the industry saves costs in multiple ways.  Home visits have eliminated wait-time for non-urgent or new cases in hospitals and have reduced healthcare expenditures.

Which professional in the healthcare industry travel?

• Primary Care Physicians or Nurse Practitioners
• Dentists or dental hygienist
• Podiatrist
• Audiologists
• Dermatologist

Some healthcare providers travel to a person’s home, while others travel to a senior living community.  Check with the provider to see which service they provide.

Who qualifies for this service?

To qualify for home care services, a person must be homebound and need help leaving their home or walking with assistance.  A person can qualify for a visit by a doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse, or home health services.  If a person qualifies for home health services, they need to be under the care of a primary care physician that will give the referral and can review their case on a regular basis to qualify for

• Continued occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Speech therapy
• Intermittent skilled nursing care less than eight hours a day

How can I find a medical professional to come to my house?

If you live in a senior housing community, ask your general manager if they work with a provider for a resident’s medical or dental needs.  If you do not live in a senior housing community, then research online or reach out to STAGES for a local referral within the bay area.

STAGES is here to demystify the world of senior services.  Through our various articles, we provide a compass for the aging journey.

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