What Are Modern House Calls?

Modern house calls are when healthcare providers visit you at home, combining traditional bedside care with today’s technology like remote monitoring devices and telehealth services. Unlike the old days when doctors just carried a black bag, today’s house calls include digital health tools that help monitor your conditions between visits.

Do I Qualify for House Calls?

You may be eligible for Medicare-covered house calls if you have:

• Two or more chronic conditions (like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure)
• Difficulty getting to the doctor’s office due to mobility issues
• Complex medical needs requiring frequent monitoring
• High-risk conditions like heart failure or COPD

Good news: You don’t need to be completely homebound to qualify for house calls under Medicare.

What’s Covered by Medicare?

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)

• Setup and training: Medicare pays about $20 for your initial enrollment and device education
• Monthly monitoring: Medicare pays about $43 per month for tracking your health data
• Doctor consultation: Medicare pays about $48 monthly when your doctor spends 20+ minutes reviewing your data and adjusting your care

House Call Visits

Medicare covers home visits similar to office visits, though coverage varies by your specific Medicare plan.

---

BENEFITS of Modern House Calls

Convenience & Comfort

• No travel required – Healthcare comes to you
• Familiar environment – Receive care in the comfort of your own home
• Flexible scheduling – Often includes weekend and evening options
• No waiting rooms – Avoid crowded medical facilities

Better Health Outcomes

• Continuous monitoring – Devices track your vital signs daily (blood pressure, blood sugar, weight)
• Early problem detection – Alerts sent to your doctor before issues become serious
• Fewer hospital visits – Studies show reduced emergency room visits and hospital stays
• Improved chronic disease control – Better management of conditions like diabetes and heart failure

Personalized Care

• More time with your provider – Visits typically last 45-60 minutes vs. 15-20 minutes in office
• Whole-person view – Doctors can see your living situation and daily challenges
• Family involvement – Easier for family members to participate in your care
• Customized treatment plans – Care tailored to your home environment

Cost Savings

• Reduced transportation costs – No gas, parking, or taxi fees
• Fewer missed appointments – Less likely to skip care due to travel barriers
• Lower emergency costs – Prevention of costly hospital admissions
• Coordinated care – Better communication between your healthcare team

---

ADVANTAGES of the Technology

Remote Monitoring Devices

• Real-time data – Your doctor gets immediate updates on your health
• Simple to use – Most devices are user-friendly with minimal training needed
• Automatic transmission – Data sends to your doctor without you doing anything
• 24/7 monitoring – Continuous tracking even when you’re sleeping

Improved Communication

• Direct line to your care team – Easier to reach your providers with questions
• Regular check-ins – Scheduled calls or messages from your healthcare team
• Quick response – Faster adjustments to medications or treatment plans
• Family updates – Caregivers can stay informed about your health status

---

DISADVANTAGES & Potential Challenges

Technology Barriers

• Learning curve – May take time to get comfortable with devices
• Internet requirement – Need reliable internet connection for some services
• Device malfunctions – Technology can sometimes fail or give incorrect readings
• Multiple devices – May need to manage several different monitoring tools

Limited Services

• Not for emergencies – Still need to call 911 or go to ER for urgent issues
• Equipment limitations – Some tests still require lab or imaging facilities
• Specialist restrictions – May still need office visits for certain specialty care
• Procedure limitations – Complex procedures still require medical facilities

Care Coordination Issues

• Communication gaps – Information may not always reach all your doctors
• Different providers – House call doctor may not be your regular physician
• Follow-up challenges – Ensuring continuity between home visits and office care
• Insurance variations – Coverage may differ between Medicare plans

Privacy & Safety Concerns

• Home access – Having healthcare workers in your personal space
• Data security – Health information transmitted electronically
• Emergency response – Longer response time compared to hospital setting
• Family dynamics – Potential stress on household routines

Cost Considerations

• Copayments – May have monthly fees if you don’t have supplemental insurance
• Device costs – Some monitoring equipment may require out-of-pocket expenses
• Internet costs – Need to maintain internet service for remote monitoring
• Backup plans – May still need traditional office visits for some care

---

Is This Right for Me?

Modern house calls work best if you:

• ✅ Have multiple chronic conditions requiring regular monitoring
• ✅ Find it difficult or stressful to travel to medical appointments
• ✅ Are comfortable with basic technology
• ✅ Want more personalized, convenient healthcare
• ✅ Have family members who can help with your care

Consider sticking with traditional office visits if you:

• ❌ Prefer the medical office environment
• ❌ Have concerns about technology or privacy
• ❌ Need frequent procedures that require special equipment
• ❌ Have very limited internet access
• ❌ Want to see multiple specialists in one location

---

Getting Started

1. Talk to your doctor about whether house calls are right for your conditions
2. Check your Medicare coverage – call Medicare or your plan to understand your benefits
3. Ask about providers in your area who offer house call services
4. Discuss costs and any potential out-of-pocket expenses
5. Start small – consider trying remote monitoring before full house call services

Bottom Line

Modern house calls offer a promising way to receive convenient, personalized healthcare at home while managing chronic conditions more effectively. The combination of in-person care and remote monitoring can improve your health outcomes and quality of life. However, they’re not right for everyone, and you’ll need to weigh the benefits against potential challenges based on your specific health needs, comfort with technology, and personal preferences.

Remember: House calls supplement, not replace, emergency care. Always call 911 for life-threatening situations.

---

Need Cognitive Screening in Maryland?

For sooner appointments for cognitive screening and memory evaluations in Maryland:

📞 Call: 410.956.6800
💬 Chat: 443.714.3591

Our specialized team can provide comprehensive cognitive assessments and memory care services as part of your home-based healthcare plan.

---

Important Disclaimer

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care. Individual results may vary, and Medicare coverage can differ based on your specific plan and circumstances.

Contact Information: The phone and chat numbers provided are for cognitive screening services in Maryland only. This content is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, CMS, or any specific healthcare provider unless otherwise stated.

Emergency Notice: For medical emergencies, always call 911 immediately. House call services and remote monitoring are not substitutes for emergency medical care.