what you need to know when hiring home health care

Doctors, physical therapists, and other medical professionals often make house calls for patients with chronic health problems, the disabled, parents with sick children, and the elderly. This is also beneficial to people who are traveling in other states or countries and do not have a local physician. Here are some things to think about before and after you call for house call with a local physician or health care professional:

Prepare for Your Appointment

Ask your regular doctor or health care professional to recommend a house call service that may be able to help you when needed. When you wish to have a house call appointment, contact that service and provide your patient information:  name, address, phone number, date of birth, ailments, and medical insurance plans where you are a registered member. Have your insurance cards handy and other pertinent information to identify your membership in any and all insurance plans. 

Medications and Thermometer

Have all of your medications in one place so that your doctor or therapist can see them, check the dosage you are taking, and check the date the prescription was filled. Tell your house call doctor or therapist if you regularly take your prescribed medication and when you last took it. This is important information especially if your visiting doctor or therapist will be taking a blood sample. If you have been taking your temperature, have your thermometer out to show the doctor or therapist. 

Take Notes

When the visiting doctor or physical therapist arrives, ask for proof of their identification and a business card that you may keep for your records. It is often helpful to take notes and write down what your doctor or therapist says during the house call so that you can refer to it later or relay that information to your regular doctor or health care professional. 

House Call Advantages

This service eliminates the obvious problems and stress with traffic, parking, and travel time. Another advantage that you have when using a house call doctor or medical professional is that they can see your environment and tell you of any hazards or lifestyle factors that they think you should avoid. This information can help the visiting doctor or therapist correctly diagnose and treat your ailments. 

Patients Without Insurance

If you are not enrolled in a medical insurance plan, you can still be helped by a doctor or health care professional who makes a house call. When first contacting a doctor or health care professional to make a house call, tell them that you do not have medical insurance and ask them for their fees. You will be asked to pay for the house call services at the completion of the physical examination. 

Using a medical house call service can be of great help to you when needed. It can save you time, money, and is very private. If you find the need for a doctor, therapist, or health care professional, call a house call service recommended by your doctor or hospital or look online for a house call service in your location. With a little preparation and care, you can rest assured that you are in good hands and can remain healthy.