House Calls

Between 2000 and 2006, the number of physician housecalls to Medicare beneficiaries more than doubled, however, the number of physicians making housecalls declined.  Estimates show that by 2030, 70 million U.S. citizens will be older than 65 years.  A substantial number of persons will live at home with disabilities that prevent them from traveling to medical facilities. 

Home visits made by a physician to a private residence are covered by Medicare, just like regular office visits, when medically reasonable and necessary and not for the convenience of the provider or the member.  While the patient does not have to be homebound, the medical record must document the medical necessity of the home visit made in lieu of an office or outpatient visit.  Follow-up visits may be made by the physician’s nurse practitioner or physician assistant.  Trip fees or travel charges are not compensated by Medicare and other insurance plans, and many physicians charge a separate and additional fee for travel.