doctor that does home visits

House Calls – We Bring the Doctor’s Office to the Patient

At Mobile Physician Services, we provide comprehensive care to improve the health and quality of life of our patients – in the convenience and comfort of their own home. Our team of board-certified doctors, advance nurse practitioners, and physician assistants specialize in providing care for patients with medically complex and chronic conditions.

Our Services

We accept Medicare, many insurance plans, and self-pay.

To find out more about our services:

Call Toll-free: (855) 232-0644

E-mail us at [email protected]

Primary Care

Pain management, palliative care.

At Mobile Physician Services, our customized care teams provide patients with both comfort and familiarity as they work with a dedicated primary care provider and care coordinator to improve their health. Our physicians and staff take a proactive approach to preventive care, chronic disease management, and chronic illness support right where you live.

Each home visit includes an in-depth examination and individualized treatment plan, which is monitored and adjusted through routine follow-up visits. The primary care provider will deliver your ongoing care and will recommend to you specialty services as needed.

• Annual Wellness visits : This wellness visit allows your primary care provider to create or update your personalized prevention plan. This visit includes a review of your medical and social history related to your health and may include counseling about preventive services. This plan may help you to prevent or reduce the chances of future illness based on your current health and risk factors.
• New Illness Exams : When a new symptom or ailment arises, call us. Early indications of not feeling well could be a clue that you may be getting sick. A symptom in one part of the body may also be a sign of a problem in another part of the body. Moreover, unrelated symptoms that might seem minor on their own, could be warning signs of a more serious medical disease or condition. The new illness exam can be very brief or more detailed depending on your concerns and the provider’s findings.
• Follow-up Care: Involves a regular medical checkup, which may include a physical exam and laboratory testing. Follow-up care checks are a proactive way of assessing the potential for and preventing health problems from returning after treatment of a disease has ended or an illness has seemingly passed.
• Referral for Specialty Care : Referrals are the link between primary and specialty care. The referral coordination includes the documentation of patient care activities, the transfer of information, the inter-provider communication itself, and the integration of care services to the patient. Mobile Physician Services is a multi-specialty practice so many of these specialty referral services can be made seamlessly with little inconvenience or disruption to the patient and caregivers regular routines.
• Medication Management: Medication management is a treatment structure that ensures our patients are receiving optimal therapeutic results from their prescription medications, both in the short and long term. Our team’s goal is to mitigate medication noncompliance and monitor all prescriptions treatments so that drug interactions complement one another for the most optimal outcome for our patients.

The provider may be a physician, advanced practice nurse or a physician assistant. A dedicated care coordinator will also be assigned for each patient to help arrange comprehensive services and assist patients and their caregivers.

• Online Patient Portal: You and your designated caregiver, if you choose, will be able to connect with your provider through a convenient, safe and secure environment which allows access to your health records and a way to communicate with our staff in a timely manner.
• Telephone Assistance : On call providers are available 24/7 weekdays and weekends.

Our psychiatry team specializes in the diagnosis and management of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. They carefully evaluate each patient to develop an individualized treatment plan to improve the patient’s overall mental and physical well-being.

• Depression : Depression is a common and often serious medical illness that negatively affects how you may feel, the way you may think, and how you may act. Depression can cause feelings of sadness, despair and hopelessness, which may lead to a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.
• Anxiety : Intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday common situations. The worry or anxiety could make you feel fatigued, irritable, and interfere with your regular sleep habits.
• Dementia : An overall term that is used to describes a collection of symptoms related to an individual’s decline in memory or other thinking skills. It may be severe enough to diminish a person’s ability to perform everyday common activities. The effects of dementia can negatively influence your memory, thinking and social abilities.
• Phobias : A phobia is when you experience excessive panicking or an irrational fear reaction to a situation. If you have a phobia, you may experience a deep sense of dread or fright when you encounter the source of your fear. The fear may be a certain place, situation, object, animal or even another person.
• Behavioral disorders : Attention deficit, hyperactivity, bipolar, learning, defiant or conduct disorders are all examples of complaints that may have a detrimental impact on a person’s interpersonal relationships with family, friends, and co-workers.

Our team can provide behavioral counselling and medical therapy, when appropriate, to help a patient feel better about themselves and to assist them with better coping and managing their condition.

Our wound care specialists have been trained in the attention and treatment of all types of acute and chronic wounds. They have skill and experience in wound debridement and wound care procedures – managing chronic, non-healing wounds and infections, with a demonstrated care that fosters healing… right in the patient’s own home.

We specialize in serving homebound patients who may also be bed-bound or have difficulty in walking or moving around. As a result, immobility compression sores develop at pressure points on the body when the weight of an immobilized individual rests continuously on a firm surface, such as a mattress or wheel chair. Often these same patients are on oxygen or have high-risk medical conditions which makes it an even more challenging and stressful effort for them to travel to a doctor’s office for an appointment. Thus, the necessity for in home care and treatment.

Wounds that benefit from specialized wound care techniques include:

• Diabetic foot wounds and ulcers
• Post-surgical wounds
• Traumatic wounds caused by injury
• Arterial and vein stasis caused by lack of circulation
• Immobility pressure sores. (Bed sores from stillness)

We work closely with home health agencies to provide ongoing care and monitoring of patient’s wounds.

Our board-certified podiatrists treat foot pain, wounds, and more. Treatments may include but are not limited to treating conditions of the lower extremities which could hinder mobility.

• We will review each patients’ medical history to evaluate the condition of the feet, ankle or lower leg
• Carry out a diagnosis on the feet and lower legs through examination and medical tests
• Order physical therapy when deemed necessary
• Treat wounds of the lower extremities using various wound care modalities. This may include debridement to improve the healing potential
• Promote prevention, health & well being, the treatment and management of the foot and related problems, disability, deformity, and the pedal complications of chronic diseases for the elderly
• Prescribe and fit prosthetic appliances such as diabetic shoe inserts and evaluate for bracing if necessary
• Refer patients to other specialists for treatment, including conditions such as diabetes or arthritis
• Advise patients on ways to prevent future leg problems and increase speed of recovery
• Monitor the recovery progress of patients to determine the need for change in treatment

We know it’s not always easy to leave home to get the care you need for your eyes. Our optometrists bring state-of-the-art diagnostic eye equipment and technology to your home – making it much easier for you to get the vision care you need.

During a visit, your doctor will exam each eye for signs of serious issues such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and detached retinas, among other conditions.

Receiving regular eye exams regardless of the state of your vision can help detect serious eye problems at their earliest stages ─ when they are most treatable. During an eye exam, your doctor will observe and evaluate the health and condition of the blood vessels in your retina, which can be good indicators of the health of your blood vessels throughout the rest of your body.

• Comprehensive eye exams : This exam goes beyond a simple vision screening. A comprehensive eye exam includes a host of tests in order to do a complete evaluation of the health of your eyes and your vision.
• Annual retina exams : A retinal exam allows your doctor to evaluate the back of your eye, including the retina, the optic disk and the underlying layer of blood vessels that supply the retina.
• Eyeglass fittings : A prescription works best when your eyeglasses are properly fitted. Improper fitting may cause pinching, distorted vision, headaches, and even dizziness. Our doctors will make sure your prescription lenses and frames are working together for you.
• Diabetic eye exams : Diabetes does not have to lead to vision loss. Taking an active role in managing your diabetes can go a long way in curbing later complications. Regular eye exams, good management of your blood sugar and blood pressure, along with early intervention for vision problems can help prevent vision loss caused by diabetic retinopathy. Retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels of the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye.
• Refractions: This test is given as part of your routine eye examination. It is often referred to as a vision test. This test assists your eye doctor in measuring you for the exact lens prescription you will need.
• Eye injuries: Eye trauma could be the result of a sudden blow to the eye. It may cause the eye to suddenly compress and retract which could cause damage to your eye and the surrounding tissue. Even if the injury may seem minor, all eye injuries should be furthered examined by a doctor for possible more serious and underlying injuries.
• Eye infections: The most common eye infection is conjunctivitis, also known as pink-eye. An eye infection can happen in almost any part of your eye, including your eye lid, cornea and optic nerve. Symptoms of eye infections may include redness, itching, swelling, discharge, pain, or problems with vision. Always consult with your doctor before treating, as recommended actions are contingent on the cause of the infection.
• Low-vision exams: A low vision exam is different from a normal eye exam. This functional-vision assessment determines how specific visual impairments affects your ability to perform everyday activities. The exam’s results assist your doctor in prescribing management tools and medications to better enhance and manage your remaining vision.

Pain management is the process of providing medical care that alleviates or reduces pain. Pain management is a subspecialty of general medicine employing an interdisciplinary approach to ease the suffering and improve the quality of life of those living with chronic pain by using a combination of pain medications, joint and muscles injections, and physical therapy techniques.

A pain management specialist is a provider with advanced training in diagnosing and treating pain. Our pain management specialists treat pain stemming from a variety of different causes, whether it’s neuropathic pain or headache, or the result of injury, a surgical procedure, cancer or another illness.

Palliative care is an approach to the holistic care of patients, including family and caregivers, to improve the quality of their lives after the diagnosis of a chronic debilitating disease or life-limiting illness that may cause a host of complaints.

Palliative care can begin at diagnosis and continue to be offered while the patient is continuing active treatment through different phases of their life limiting condition. Palliative care is for any patient with a chronic illness who is experiencing a decreased quality of life because of symptoms related to their illness or treatment, like renal dialysis, oxygen therapy or chemotherapy. The care is provided by a specially-trained team of doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other specialists who work together to provide an extra layer of support to the patient and their caregivers.

Palliative care can help in symptom control including not only pain, but nausea, weakness, shortness of breath, fatigue and weight loss at any time during their diseases, not only at the end of life.

Mobile Physician Services, Inc. Corporate Headquarters 6804 Cecelia Drive New Port Richey, FL 34653

• Assisted Living Facilities
• FAQs | Medical housecall practice questions
• Health Plans
• Mobile Physician Services News Blog
• Patients and MPS
• Privacy Policy & Notices

Latest Blog

• Insomnia – Signs, Symptoms, and Complications February 15, 2023 - 06:58
• How do you know blood donations are safe? January 3, 2023 - 11:54
• Be Prepared to Stay Safe and Healthy in Winter December 13, 2022 - 12:51
• High Blood Pressure – Signs, Symptoms, and Complications November 17, 2022 - 08:38

In Home Medical Senior Care Services | Landmark Health

• Patient or Caregiver
• Community Provider

Are you a new Landmark patient?

Burn-out is real. landmark is different..

Living with chronic health conditions? We can help.

Our providers and care teams come to you, bringing care through house call visits. This in-home medical care is designed around understanding your health needs and goals. We work with you and your regular doctors to help you stay well and stay home.

House calls and video visits in 37 states.

Landmark partners with health plans to bring medical, behavioral health, and palliative care, along with social services, to patients in communities across the U.S. Our mobile providers visit patients in their homes through in-person house calls and telemedicine visits over video and phone.

We are the future of health care.

Landmark is one of the nation’s largest healthcare companies focused on in-home care of complex, chronic patients. Our physician-led provider groups support collaborative ties between community-based organizations, primary care providers, specialists and patients and their families.

patients nationally for which Landmark bears risk

reduction in hospital admissions

reduction in mortality

Discover the benefits.

• For Patients + Caregivers
• For Community Providers
• For Partners

Health care in your home

Old-fashioned house calls by medical doctors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants bring modern medicine to you. Feel better and stay well at home.

Covered by your health plan

The Landmark program works with health plans to improve access to care for patients with multiple chronic conditions. Landmark’s team-based care is available often at no cost to you.

Keep your current doctors

Landmark coordinates its care with your primary care provider, specialists and other community resources. Landmark provides added support to those who need it most.

Available 24 / 7

Our provider-staffed call center answers any time of the day or night. We also provide urgent visits to help you avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency room.

No waiting room

With Landmark house calls, you won’t need transportation to clinics and hospitals, and you avoid waiting rooms and exposure to germs.

Reduced stress

Patients and caregivers enjoy peace of mind with Landmark support. Landmark cares for the whole patient.

Landmark house calls put patients at the center of health care.

Collaborative care for complex patients.

Landmark’s community-based mobile providers bring coordinated care to patients with multiple chronic health conditions. We augment your care in the patient’s home.

Covered by health plans

The Landmark program is included in eligible patients’ health plans to improve care coordination and healthcare access for home-limited patients.

You remain the primary care provider

Landmark care is coordinated directly with you. Our providers reinforce your care plan in the home through physician-led interdisciplinary care teams.

Access our interdisciplinary team

Landmark’s interdisciplinary care team is available to you and your patients, including behavioral health specialists, social workers, palliative care specialists, nurse care managers and pharmacists.

Reduce administrative burden

We can help your highest acuity patients by managing post-acute care, home health orders, face-to-face encounters, and more.

24 / 7 availability

You can reach us any time, including weekends and holidays. We do urgent home visits to intervene if your patient experiences a chronic disease exacerbation.

Landmark supports your patients with complex health and social needs.

Chronic care management.

We’re one of the nations’ leading risk-bearing medical groups. We focus on giving your most complex members care when they need it, right in their home.

Over 250,000 patients across the country

We bear risk for over 250,000 complex, chronic patients, spanning Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, Dual, and Commercial, populations.

Behavioral, social and palliative care

Our team of multidisciplinary clinicians may include behavioral health specialists, palliative care practitioners, social workers, nurse care managers, dietitians and pharmacists.

Urgent in-home visits

One in four of our home visits is urgent. We bring medical care to your members when they need it, to avoid unnecessary emergency room trips and hospitalizations.

Built-for-purpose infrastructure

Our technology platform is designed specifically to support the medically vulnerable, clinically complex population.

Meaningful outcomes

Landmark commonly helps health plans achieve 4- and 5-star performance on Medicare STARS clinical quality of care, while caring for the most complex patients.

Landmark provides care for complex, chronic patients to positively impact access, satisfaction, outcomes and cost.

The doctor and nurses show they care about you and your health they are really there for you when you need them I love that they come to your house we did a zoom meeting with the nurse practitioner and she gave suggestions I really appreciate them

It was a pleasure to talk and see the doctor, she was very knowledgeable of all my conditions and gave me great advice to improve my health.

Joan was very helpful. It was nice getting to know her. How Landmark can help me

Practice health care the way you always wanted — with those who need it most.

Expert insights.

Prioritizing Mental Health as a Universal Human Right

By: Neltada Charlemagne, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, PHN, BHC

Outsmart Unplanned Medical Costs: 10 Steps for Managing the Unexpected

Older adults can safeguard themselves from the physical, mental and emotional toll of unexpected medical costs.

Optum Care Network – Monarch and Landmark Health bring care to you at home.

Optum Care Network – Monarch has teamed up with Landmark to deliver in-home medical care to members with multiple chronic conditions.

Have questions about Landmark? We’d love to hear from you.

There was a time when doctors treated patients in their own home. This old-fashioned care matched with new medical technology is here again. At HouseCall Primary Care, we serve homebound patients wherever home may be...a patient's house, a nursing home, or assisted living. Our team of providers stay with our patients wherever they go.

HouseCall Primary Care offers these general areas of specialty. Select one of the services below to learn more.

REcent Updates

Making sense of Medicare isn’t easy. Parts, A, B, C, D; HMOs; PFFS plans; SNPs. Navigating the system can feel like learning to code… blindfolded… with one hand tied behind your back. The point is, it can be overwhelmingly complicated. But at MD at Home one of our goals is to make quality healthcare easier to access and understand, so in this post we’re decoding the ins and outs of Medicare Advantage Plans, from A to Z.

No one wants to think about the likelihood of unfortunate events. Death, accidents, illness - we avoid these topics like the plague (both literally and figuratively). Why? Because they make us sad, because they make us uncomfortable, because sometimes superstition gets the best of us and we don’t want to tempt fate. But as difficult as they may be, these are important conversations to have with your loved ones or potential caregivers now, so that if and when the time comes, your wishes are clear. What we’re talking about is an advance healthcare directive. Here’s everything you need to know.

In 1930, house calls were standard practice for physicians, accounting for approximately 40 percent of patient visits. By 1950, this number had fallen to 10 percent, and by 1980, only about 1 percent of patient visits happened in the home. But as they say, everything old is new again, and with the coming demographic changes, it seems doctors may be making more home visits in the near future.

Diabetes and depression can each be conditions with devastation consequences on their own, let alone when a single individual suffers from both. Often times, the symptoms of one can exaggerate and accelerate the symptoms of the other, but fear not! There are a few simple steps you can follow to alleviate the symptoms and prevent the onset of both.

MD at Home provides home care, home medical doctors, and housecall physicians to patients in need with a focus on p reventing readmissions during the transition from an acute care setting to the home. For over 20 years, we’ve served as the premier healthcare resource for primary care and geriatric medicine for homebound patients in the Chicagoland area. Partnering alongside some of Chicago’s most established and respected institutions, we tailor our programs toward modern guidelines with an unwavering focus on clinical excellence, patient satisfaction, and measured clinical outcomes.   Our continuum of care and individual care plans highlight the importance of readmission reduction and high level transitions from the hospital to the home setting. MD at Home is transforming healthcare through our collaborative, proactive, and preventative approach to patient health.

Our approach reduces unnecessary hospitalizations and focuses on helping patients and caregivers better manage individual health from the comfort of their home.  Through our expertise in primary care and geriatric medicine, our licensed clinicians deliver a comprehensive approach in the management of chronic conditions to homebound patients, and our highly trained physicians and nurses are certified to perform most of the same services offered in a physician's office.  MD at Home is transforming reactive, crisis-oriented care into proactive, preventive medicine, reducing unnecessary emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and 30-day readmissions.

Who Qualifies for a Housecall Visit?

Patients with difficulty leaving home due to a mobility limitation, patients with difficulty leaving the home due to cognitive impairment, patients who require the use of special transportation to leave the home, patients with an inability to leave the home and for whom leaving the home requires taxing effort, patients requiring the assistance of another person to leave the home, patients for whom leaving the home is medically contradictory due to the patient's medical condition, accepted insurance.

MD at Home accepts the following insurance policies:

• Medicare Part B
• Medicare Pametto GBA
• Blue Cross Blue Shield (XOF, R, XOX)
• Blue Cross Blue Shield (XOS - Must have Medicare Part B as primary insurance)
• Aetna (PPO)
• United Health Care (PPO)
• United Medical Resources (PPO)

Physician Careers

MD at Home is hiring Physicians and Nurse Practitioners. Physicians with MD at Home have a luxury many other medical doctors severely lack: time . Unlike a typical seven minute visit, our physicians spend an hour or more with each patient, gaining a holistic view of the patient's health within their native environment. This not only means more insight into the patient's daily life, but also into their care support system, including interacting with family members and caregivers. This not only leads to better care for patients , but better lives for our doctors. Our physicians only work typical workday hours, allowing them to spend more time with their families, avoiding obscure hospital rounds or late nights. Our physicians using cutting-edge EMR technology to maintain up-to-date health records for each and every patient so nothing gets lost in the shuffle.

A Letter to Physicians

More time with patients, more time with your family, move healthcare forward, schedule a home visit, fast. simple. secure..

Our HIPAA-compliant online referral system is secured with 256-bit AES encryption, the same encryption level used by most online banking systems and the same SSL technology that fuels most SecureFax systems already in use by hospitals. Prefer to schedule a visit by phone? Give us a call at (312) 243-2223.  ​If you're a healthcare professional, please send additional medical documentation to our fax at (312) 243-8450.

HIPAA Certification Security Audit

Prefer to submit a referral by fax? Click the button below to download one of our paper referral forms and fax it to (312) 243-8450.

Area of Service

Our address.

Referral Fax: (312) 243-8450 Clinical Fax: (312) 243-2227 2003 W. Fulton Street, Suite 303 Chicago, IL 60612

Office Hours

Patient Portal Phone: (312) 243-2223 Monday – Friday  9:00AM – 5:00PM Closed Saturdays and Sundays

Bringing Quality Medical Care to Patients at Home!

1-844-414-2072.

• Primary Care
• Chronic Care Management
• PAC 30 Bundle
• Medical House Calls Q&A
• What is Palliative Care
• Palliative Medicine Q&A
• COVID-19 Info
• SERVICE AREAS
• April 12, 2024

Bringing Quality Home Care Physicians to Your Place

Bringing Back the Medical House Calls of Yesteryear—with the Medical Breakthroughs of Today

Bringing the Comfort of Caring Doctors on Call to Those with Chronic Illness

Healthcare Without Waiting Rooms

We’re proud to have Coach O advocating for Homedica HouseCalls!  For seniors wishing to avoid unnecessary exposure to the Coronavirus, Homedica HouseCalls is here to help.

Homedica: Devoted Home Care Physicians & Nurse Practitioners

Welcome to Homedica HouseCalls, a medical care team developed to provide the expert treatment of home care physicians and nurse practitioners where patients are most at ease—in the comfort and safety of their own homes. With our nurses and doctors on call at all times, Homedica HouseCalls patients can rest easy knowing that we make medical house calls in Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and South Alabama to ensure personalized care for people who are unable to comfortably leave the home.

• High-quality in-home medical care
• Provided by physicians and nurse practitioners
• Telehealth via smart phone or internet connection
• Physicians Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Family Medicine
• Reduce hospital admissions and ER visits
• Reduce the risk of exposure to diseases like COVID-19

Homedica HouseCalls … bringing quality medical care to patients at home !

How It Works…

https://www.myhomedica.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Homedica-HouseCalls.mp4

Patient Experience of Care Survey

You may be contacted by mail or phone and asked to provide feedback on the health care you receive here at this office.

If you receive a survey, please take the time to respond. Your answers will help ensure you receive high-quality care at this office.

Participation is voluntary. Your answers are confidential and will never be seen by your provider or affect your health care benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Homedica HouseCalls is able to make Telehealth visits via your smart phone or internet connection.  Virtual telehealth visits help you avoid unnecessary exposure to germs, and save you time and money.  More information, click here .

Schedule an Appointment

If you would like to schedule an appointment with Homedica HouseCalls, please click on the image above, or click here .

Homedica’s Response to Confront the COVID-19 Virus

Homedica HouseCalls is a division of The Carpenter Health Network (TCHN). A press release was issued today to notify our patients and employees of the Network’s response to confront the COVID-19, also know as Coronavirus. The Carpenter Health Network Announces Response to Confront COVID-19 Virus Baton Rouge, LA – We know that people are very concerned

Continue Reading »

A Division of The Carpenter Health Network

©2024 Homedica HouseCalls. All Rights Reserved.

Site Map | Contact

• Skip to main content
• Clinical support programs
• Employee Assistance Program
• LGBTQ+ resources
• Maternity support
• Member support and advocacy resources
• Mental health programs
• Quit For Life
• Real Appeal
• Rewards programs
• Substance use

HouseCalls is check-in care that comes to you

Did you know you can set up a yearly preventive care visit at home.

UnitedHealthcare® HouseCalls — our yearly in-home health and wellness service — is a health plan feature for Medicare and Medicaid members, offered at no additional cost to you. It’s a way to help our members stay on top of their health between regular doctor visits.

Why is a HouseCalls visit a good idea?

Benjamin Franklin said it best, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” We agree. The goal of our preventive care visits is to help you maintain your independence and continue doing what you love long into the future. We know there’s no way to prevent all health emergencies and accidents, but we believe that by taking care of yourself, you may be able to improve your odds of avoiding them. That’s where HouseCalls comes in. 

UnitedHealthcare® HouseCalls

Video transcript.

These days, you can have just about anything delivered to your door.

How about a home delivery of good health and wellness? It comes from UnitedHealthcare and is called HouseCalls.

HouseCalls is a yearly health and wellness visit that happens in the privacy of your very own home. No driving to an appointment. No sitting in a waiting room.

Here’s how it works.

Our HouseCalls team finds a time that’s convenient for you and schedules the visit. A health care practitioner, a physician’s assistant, medical doctor or nurse practitioner, comes to you at the scheduled time. The clinician completes a health evaluation, including a physical exam and other important screenings, then YOU decide what happens next.

You can discuss questions to ask your doctor at your next appointment, review instructions from your last doctor’s appointment or chat about other health concerns you haven’t had a chance to talk to your doctor about. Whatever you need.

The visit takes about 45-minutes to an hour – plenty of time to answer your important health questions.

Your practitioner will even send a summary of your HouseCalls visit to your doctor.

And unlike those other home deliveries – there’s no additional cost for a HouseCalls visit, it’s a feature of your medical plan. If you’re in good health or you already see your doctor regularly – you might not think HouseCalls is for you, but it is. Think of it as an extra layer of care – valuable one-on-one time you don’t always get in the doctor’s office.

So, when you get a phone call from our HouseCalls team – take advantage of this great program and schedule your HouseCalls visit. Or just call us and make an appointment!

It’s Easy. It’s Convenient. It’s UnitedHealthcare HouseCalls. 

What to expect during a HouseCalls visit

During a HouseCalls visit, you’ll meet with the same types of professionals you’d see in a doctor’s office — a licensed physician or nurse practitioner. They’ll answer your health-related questions, perform a physical exam and offer a health screening in the comfort of your own home. If you choose, your family members, loved ones or caregivers are welcome to sit in on this visit and ask additional questions. A typical visit will range from 45 minutes to a full hour.

The results of your exam and screening will be forwarded to your primary care provider (PCP) and you’ll receive a summary of your visit in the mail. 

During your visit, here are some typical topics you'll cover

• An overview of your medical history and prescription medications
• Conversations about overall well-being, like how to help you stay active, sleep well and manage stress
• Tips on to help you avoid trip hazards in your home
• Community resources and support

Open the door to the convenience of a medical visit in your home

Meet with licensed medical staff on your schedule, in the convenience of your home. Once they arrive, talk about health concerns at your pace (the visits are focused on you and you alone). Use the results to help coordinate care with your doctor. 

• Be prepared to provide a urine sample during your visit—drink fluids in advance
• Wear shoes or slippers that are easy to remove (your feet will be checked)
• Know where to find medication bottles so they are ready to review 
• If applicable, have blood pressure readings available for review
• If you have diabetes, please provide blood sugar test results, as well as your blood glucose meter 

Remember, at the end of your visit, you’ll receive a personalized checklist of topics to discuss with your doctor at your next appointment. Plus, you and your doctor will receive a mailed summary of your visit.

Want more good news?

HouseCalls is included at no extra cost in most Medicare and Medicaid members as part of your health plan. 1  Schedule at a convenient time and we’ll come to you. 

Call to request a visit 1-866-799-5895 , TTY 711 , Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. ET

For medical emergencies, call 911. 

Related Content

From simple to complex, we’ll help answer your Medicare questions. Learn more about Medicare

Explore Medicare Advantage Plans from UnitedHealthcare in your area. Shop for a Medicare plan

Look out for your health

A UnitedHealthcare® HouseCalls visit is a no-cost, yearly health check-in that can make a big difference. 

Call 1-866-799-5895 ,

TTY 711,  to schedule your visit.

HouseCalls brings yearly check-in care

To you at home.

Connect for up to a full hour of 1-on-1 time with a licensed health care practitioner. Every visit includes a physical, tailored recommendations on health care screenings and plenty of time to ask questions that matter to you.

After your visit, HouseCalls connects with your primary care provider (PCP) to help keep them informed about your health. It's a great way to feel confident knowing an extra set of eyes is looking out for you between regular PCP visits.

What is a HouseCalls visit? 

[Text On Screen – SAY HELLO TO HOUSE CALLS]

Say hello to HouseCalls.

[Text On Screen- PAID ACTOR PORTRAYAL.]

HouseCalls is our way of looking out for your health, so you can focus on your future. Here’s what it’s all about.

[Text On Screen – HERE’S WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT]

Once a year, a licensed health care practitioner can come to your home to spend up to an hour with you on your health and wellness.

[Text On Screen- EASY, CONVENIENT, INFORMATIVE]

It's designed to be easy, convenient and informative.

[Text On Screen- HEAD-TO-TOE EXAM]

[Text On Screen- IMPORTANT HEALTH SCREENINGS]

[Text On Screen- HEALTH GOALS DISCUSSION]

You'll get a head-to-toe exam, important health screenings and plenty of time to talk about your health goals.

We'll also provide guidance on managing your health and if you need it, give you referrals for other health plan resources and services.

HouseCalls is a great way to stay on top of your health between regular doctor's visits.

At the end of your visit, you'll get a personalized checklist so you can feel more confident in what to discuss with your regular doctor.

[Text On Screen- COST? NO EXTRA COST TO YOU]

[Text On Screen- INCLUDED IN YOUR HEALTH PLAN]

If you're wondering how much all of this is going to cost, the best part is, there is no extra cost to you. It's included in your health plan.

[Text On Screen- HOUSECALLS VIDEO VISITS ARE NOT AVAILABLE WITH ALL PLANS.]

A HouseCalls visit takes place in the comfort of your own home or by video if you prefer.

So, say hello to HouseCalls and invite us in for a visit today.

[Text On Screen – SAY HELLO TO HOUSE CALLS TODAY]

Access one of the most popular UnitedHealthcare offerings, at no cost to you

Schedule your visit

Call 1-866-799-5895 , TTY 711

Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8:30 p.m. ET

Your in-home health check-in

• Up to a full hour with a licensed health care practitioner
• Ask the questions that matter to you and get valuable health tips
• No cost — it's included in your health plan

Get rewarded

Meet your friendly housecalls medical staff.

Just like the professionals you see in your regular doctor’s office, our licensed health care practitioners may be nurse practitioners, physician assistants or medical doctors. They’re state licensed and maintain national certification.

We perform background checks on these professionals to provide additional peace of mind for our members. Your loved ones, caregivers or friends are welcome to be present during the visit — it’s up to you.

Ready to open the door to better health?

Getting ready for your housecalls appointment, tips to help you prepare:  .

• Wear shoes that are easily removed to have your feet checked
• Make a list of upcoming appointments with your PCP and specialists
• Make sure all of your medications, both prescription and over-the-counter vitamins and supplements, are in their original bottles for our review
• If you record blood pressure readings, please have your results available for review
• If you have diabetes, please have your blood glucose meter handy
• Make a list of questions and concerns you’d like to discuss

During your appointment

• You'll have up to a full hour of 1-on-1 time with your health care practitioner for a physical, select lab tests, health screenings and more
• A HouseCalls visit can be completed while sitting at your kitchen table or in the living room, and you can use the time to ask any health-related questions
• The visit is tailored to your individual needs, so screenings and conversation topics can vary

After your appointment

Less travel time. more face time..

Think of HouseCalls as an extra layer of care — valuable 1-on-1 time you don't always get in the doctor's office. And it's tailored to your individual needs.

Schedule today

To secure your spot, call us at  1-866-799-5895 , TTY 711

Have a question?

Find answers to frequently asked questions.  

View FAQ's >

If you have a specific question about your upcoming appointment or need to reschedule, call us at 1-866-799-5895, TTY 711 , Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8:30 p.m. ET

We're here to help.  

• 24/7 service available 847-543-0045
• see our brochures download now

Home Visiting Physicians

Be seen right at your home and start the care you need..

Your health is our priority! Your course of treatment will never be just about diagnosis, test results, and medications; it will also be about helping you reach the highest quality of life. We do this by actively listening and understanding your personal goals so we can tailor a plan-of-care that will be created with you in mind.

Where can we come?

These services can be utilized wherever the patient resides – whether that be in their home or in a facility.

Contact Us Today

What we offer

A primary care home visit by one of our board certified and caring medical providers. A visit may be for acute concerns, regular follow-up, and annual physicals.

Comprehensive medical exam in the comfort of your home; which may include orders for blood test, urine test, radiological imaging, medication prescription, and/or specialty referral.

The ability to directly reach your medical provider for any questions or concerns over the phone or email.

New prescription and renewals sent electronically to your pharmacy of choice within 24-hours

We are here to help when you need us

Free download resources.

Meridian Health Care is proud to offer the following resources for you.

• Home Health Care
• Hospice Care
• Palliative Care
• Our Mission & Vision
• Our Leadership
• Our Proud History

Medical House Calls

Quality Care At Your Door

Say goodbye to the hassle of sitting in a crowded waiting room or struggling to make time in your busy schedule to see your doctor.

With medical house calls, you can see a medical provider stress-free in the comfort,  convenience, and privacy of your home.

• Medical Evaluation

Hassle-Free Health Care

No wait times, no crowded waiting rooms

Easy online scheduling with same-day availability

Reduced risk of exposure to germs and viruses

House calls for urgent & primary care needs, urgent care house calls.

On-demand medical attention when you need it most without leaving your home.

Receive one-on-one attention with a licensed medical provider who will diagnose, treat and prescribe medications if need be.

Urgent Care House Calls are Ideal for:

• Cold & Flu
• Sore Throat
• Bronchitis 
• Sinus Infection
• Ear Infection
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
• Stomach Flu
• Food Poisoning
• Muscle or Joint Pain
• Cuts, Scrapes, & Burns
• Migraines & Headaches

Primary Care House Calls

Comprehensive primary care services in the comfort of your own home.

Ideal for those with busy lifestyles and who would prefer to see a medical provider in the privacy of their residence.

Primary Care House Calls are Ideal for:

• Annual Wellness Exam
• School, Sports, & Employment Physical Exams
• Nutrition, Fitness & Exercise Consultations
• Mental Health Consultations (Anxiety & Depression)
• Pre-Op Clearance
• Anti-Aging Solutions
• Preventative Medicine
• Chronic Disease Management
• Lab Testing & Blood Work
• Prescription Refills
• Referrals to Specialists

Hear From Our Clients

Each of our reviews is a testament to the warmth, professionalism, and personalized attention we bring to every appointment. Your health journey is our passion, and these stories inspire us to continue providing exceptional care.

Ready to book?

Returning customer? Click here to login

Email address (as your login)

Remember me

Lost your password?

• First Name *
• Last Name *
• Country * United States
• Address * Street Address Address Line 2 City ZIP Code
• State * State Arizona California Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Massachusetts Michigan Nevada New Jersey New York Texas Utah
• First Time Client
• Return Client
• Provider * Atlanta Austin Boise Boston Bronx & Westchester Brooklyn Central Coast Central New Jersey Chicago DEFAULT PROVIDER Detroit Hawaii - Oahu Inland Empire & Palm Springs Las Vegas Los Angeles Manhattan North New Jersey Orange County Phoenix Queens & Nassau County Sacramento San Diego St. George Suffolk County Tucson Utah
• GA Service House Call
• Date of Birth * Month Day Year
• Preferred Date of Appointment * MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Preferred Appointment Time * Select Time 8:00 AM 8:30 AM 9:00 AM 9:30 AM 10:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 12:00 PM 12:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:30 PM 3:00 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 6:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM 8:30 PM 9:00 PM 9:30 PM
• Book in Date & Time Preference * To see the booking calendar, please enter a zip code above. Please be aware, we will make every effort to accommodate your requested time. Times are subject to change based on availability. A member of our dispatch team will work to confirm your appointment as soon as we receive your booking.
• Rapid Covid Antigen Test
• Rapid Strep Test
• Rapid Flu Test
• Rapid Urinalysis Test
• Ultrasound or X-Ray
• Echocardiogram
• Anti-Inflammatory
• Pain Blocker
• Anti-Nausea
• Super Immune Boost
• Myers Cocktail
• Mental Clarity (NAD)
• Energy (B12)
• Glow (Vitamin D)
• Beauty (Biotin)
• Fat Burner (Lipostat)
• Mental Clarity (50mg)
• Mental Clarity (100mg)
• Person added
• <span class="gform-field-label gfield_label_product">Automatic Group Discount</span> <span class="screen-reader-text">Quantity</span> $0.00
• Remove Person
• What is your house call regarding? * **Please do not provide any personal health info, only general info
• Order Summary Person 1       Subtotal: $0   Service Fee: $0   Lab Fee Total: $0   Automatic Group Discount : $0   Coupon Discount: $0 Total $0.00
• I agree to the Term of Service , Privacy Policy , Consent To Treat , and Cancellation Policy
• Cancellation Terms . Bookings are subject to a $50 cancellation fee.
• Sign-up for emails to get exclusive offers & be the first to know about new services!
• Sign up for texts. By checking this box, you agree to receive recurring automated promotional and personalized marketing text messages (e.g. cart reminders) from ConciergeMD at the cell number used when signing up. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. Reply HELP for help and STOP to cancel. Msg frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. View Terms & Privacy .

House Call FAQs

Do you offer same-day appointments how long will it take for a provider to arrive at my location.

Yes, we understand the importance of prompt healthcare. We make every effort to offer same-day appointments whenever possible. We do our best to arrive within one to two hours of your booking.

Do we offer house calls on weekends or evenings?

Yes, we understand that your schedule may be busy during weekdays. We offer flexible scheduling, including weekends and evenings and try our very best to accommodate your preferred times. Our medical house call services are available seven days a week. We’re here to provide you with personalized healthcare when it’s most convenient for you.

Do you provide service to my place of business or hotel?

Yes, ConciergeMD is an at-your-door service. We will come to your office, home or hotel 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

What should I expect during a House Call visit?

During a house call visit, you’ll meet with the same types of professionals you see in a doctor’s office — a licensed health care practitioner. After introductions, your provider will perform a thorough history and physical examination appropriate for your specific complaints and will then recommend the appropriate treatment options. After all of your questions are answered, instructions are given, your provider will depart.

Who will come to my home for the House Call visit?

You’ll meet with a licensed health care practitioner who may be a nurse practitioner, physician assistant or medical doctor. Just like the professionals you see in your regular doctor’s office, our staff are state licensed and maintain national certification. We take the extra step of performing background checks on our clinical staff to provide additional assurance for our members.

How does a house call differ from a regular doctor office visit, Urgent Care Facility, or an Emergency Room?

We bring excellent, quality healthcare to you and on your schedule. You are seen in the comfort of your home, hotel or office and at a convenient time for you. You never have to wait again in an overcrowded waiting room. You will not be sitting next to sick patients for an extended period of time. We can treat the same illnesses that you would normally go to see in a primary care physician’s office. Our fees are affordable and often less expensive that one would pay at an Urgent Care Center or an Emergency Department.

Do you provide medications?

Our providers carry injectable medications and can prescribe medications to your local pharmacy for pick up.

What if the physician decides my illness requires additional testing and/or treatment?

We can provide all additional testing (e.g. x-rays, EKG, ultrasound, etc.) in the comfort and convenience of your home or hotel suite, and can provide referrals to any specialty if needed.

Do you draw labs?

We do offer a variety of laboratory tests and studies that can be completed in the home, hotel or workplace. Blood work can be drawn and delivered to local laboratories when necessary.

Do you offer X-ray and ultrasound services?

X-ray and ultrasound services are available to be brought to you upon request. A certified x-ray technician brings a portable x-ray machine to your home, hotel room, workplace, or wherever you are. The x-ray images are processed on site, and films are reviewed by your house call physician or a board certified radiologist. Copies of the images may be provided to the patient upon request. Various portable ultrasound studies are also available. Additional studies, including CT or MRI may be completed at a radiology center of your choice.

Will you care for the home-bound, or elderly, as a primary care doctor?

Yes, with pleasure, under most circumstances.

If I am experiencing an emergency, should I book a house call?

Concierge MD is not an Emergency Room replacement and we do not treat patients experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, head trauma, loss of consciousness, or other life-threatening emergencies, as these conditions may require immediate hospitalization. If you are having a medical emergency, please go directly to the E.R. or dial 911 immediately.

Do you accept health insurance?

Although most insurance companies will reimburse a portion of the visit or apply the amount to your deductible if it has not been met at this time, we do not accept insurance in the traditional sense. We will provide you with the documentation that can be submitted to your health insurance company for reimbursement. You may be eligible for reimbursement through your “out-of-network” option of your PPO or HMO plan. We do not guarantee any reimbursement.

May I utilize your services while I still see my regular physician with whom I have a long term relationship?

Yes! We understand the tremendous value in long standing Doctor Patient relationships. We will confer with your physician and coordinate your care together.

What are the benefits of using Concierge MD?

• Same-day service and appointments, usually within one to two hours of your call.
• Extended and unhurried medical visits.
• Comprehensive medical care in the comfort of your own environment.
• No more waiting in waiting rooms.
• House, Office, or Hotel Visits.
• On site diagnostic testing.
• Personal relationship with your licensed clinical provider. 
• Prompt follow-up on all tests and reports.
• Coordination of care with carefully selected specialists.
• Fast and Easy Prescription Renewal Anytime/Anywhere.
• Prompt telephone feedback with lab and radiology test results.

Who uses Concierge MD?

For those of you who are frustrated by excessive wait times in the ER or refuse to stay in an overcrowded urgent care clinic, Concierge MD offers a time saving, efficient alternative. With Concierge MD, you can now be taken care of in the comfort of your home, hotel or workplace, with minimal interruption to your daily life.

How much do you save with a house call?

The time and monetary savings accompanied with a house call visit are significant because of the convenience of bringing healthcare to you. House call visits offer value by providing a licensed health care practitioner on your schedule. If you are a busy individual and value the little time you have to enjoy, then ConciergeMD offers you an excellent solution when you or a loved one need medical attention. Now you can afford the luxury of not having to leave your home, office, or hotel when you are sick, deal with traffic, and spend significant time waiting for a doctor’s appointment or in the waiting room with other sick patients waiting to be seen. This can often take hours of your time.

Do I have to be a member of Concierge MD to have a provider visit me at my home, office, or hotel?

No! ConciergeMD is available to everyone. There are no membership fees or subscriptions required.

Does Concierge MD offer services for employers?

Concierge MD offers custom corporate service programs to provide medical care for your employees living in, working in, or visiting your local area. Our full line of services is available as well as custom arrangements tailored to your company’s needs. Rather than putting off a meeting or delaying a flight, we arrange medical treatment in the comfort of your employee’s office, house or hotel, and make sure that they rapidly get on the road to recovery. Make Concierge MD a valuable asset and addition to your benefits package by keeping your employees healthy and happy.

Do you offer virtual care instead? I would prefer to do this over the phone.

Yes, we do offer virtual care options for your convenience. If you prefer a remote consultation, you can learn more and schedule your virtual appointment by visiting our Virtual Consultations Page. We’re here to provide healthcare in the way that suits you best.

Experience Care with ConciergeMD

ConciergeMD offers coverage throughout the United States.

House Calls

Scheduling your appointment.

Please call or email to request an appointment. Appointments are scheduled 1-2 weeks in advance according to when a doctor will be seeing patients in your area. We will call you to confirm a one to two hour appointment window for the doctor’s arrival at your home.

Your first visit

• Name and location of primary care physician
• Past medical and ocular history
• Any records from previous eye doctors, if available
• Current list of medications, or the bottles from the pharmacy. This includes all medications, over the counter supplements and vitamins– not just eye drops!
• Insurance cards
• Hospital discharge papers, if applicable

Follow up care

Your doctor will work with you to determine the frequency of future visits based on your specific ocular health needs. You can always call for a visit if you feel you need to see the doctor sooner than your next scheduled appointment!

House Call Medicine Makes a Comeback

Home-based primary care programs, many of which are run by academic medical centers, are bringing comprehensive care to homebound patients with severe chronic conditions..

Your recent searches

• Find a Location
• Nursing Careers
• Physical Therapy Careers
• Medical Education
• Research & Innovation
• Pay My Bill
• Billing & Insurance Questions
• For Healthcare Professionals
• News & Publications
• Classes & Events
• Philanthropy

House Call Program - MedStar Total Elder Care

Browse this page

Promoting the health and dignity of frail elders

Many elders struggle with disability and severe chronic illness and have difficulty getting to the doctor’s office. As a result, their health may suffer and lead to unnecessary ER visits, hospitalization, or nursing home care. In 1999, recognizing the needs of such elders and their families, we created the MedStar House Call program - MedStar Total Elder Care to provide full medical and social services that help elders remain in their homes with dignity. These teams now serve both Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, MD.

The MedStar House Call Program - MedStar Total Elder Care is nationally recognized for the quality and outcomes of our care. We serve patients at home with a team of geriatricians, nurse practitioners (NPs), social workers, office nurses, and coordinators. We make routine and urgent house calls (in-person or via telehealth with video or audio-only phone visits). Our medical staff is also available by phone 24/7 for urgent issues. We provide access to state-of-the-art hospital and specialty care. Additionally, our physician team follows our patients if and when they are admitted to the MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

The House Call program serves our neighbors in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore.

Medstar house call program .

(operating under MedStar Total Elder Care, LLC) 

Our program services

Medical house calls and primary care by doctors and nurse practitioners with expertise in the care of older adults

Counseling and caregiver support by social workers and team staff

We offer tests and treatments at-home, and at the hospital as needed

Home delivery of most medications and equipment

Coordination of specialist care at MedStar Washington or MedStar Good Samaritan

Coordination of home nursing, rehab therapy, and hospice

Coordination of support services such as home aides and legal assistance

On-call physicians: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (by phone)

Mobile electronic health record (EHR)

D.C. Neighborhood only – Case management for Medicaid Elderly Persons with Disabilities (EPD) Waiver

Hospital care and specialists

Our team coordinates emergency, hospital, and specialty care at MedStar Washington and MedStar Good Samaritan. Patients may keep their previous specialist doctors; we work with them as needed. We refer to MedStar Good Samaritan, MedStar Washington, for home-based podiatry or other new specialist care. If House Call patients require hospitalization, and 911 is not needed, our team can arrange transportation and admission to MedStar Good Samaritan or MedStar Washington when beds are available.

Social work services

Our dedicated team of social workers provides:

Psychosocial assessment

Care Coordination

Development of an individual treatment plan

Information and referral to community resources and supports

Caregiver education, support, and counseling

Advocacy to connect with other service networks and legal counseling

Crisis intervention

Assistance with identifying alternative living arrangements, as needed

Eligibility

Enrollment and insurance.

To qualify for the MedStar House Call Program, patients must:

Be 65 years or older and have difficulty getting to the doctor’s office

Have Medicare, Medicaid, or another participating insurance plan

Stop seeing their previous primary doctor and agree to have us take on that role following the first visit

Live in a qualifying ZIP code

Our office is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday.

When calling about new patient enrollment, please have the following information:

Patient's name, address, telephone number

Patient's date of birth and social security number

Patient's next of kin and emergency contact information

Patient's health insurance information (including type and group number)

Patient's current medical conditions and concerns

Ability to retrieve patient's recent medical records

Baltimore neighbors, print and complete our  Intake Questionnaire form

As in most doctor's offices, your main health insurance (such as Medicare) covers 80 percent of House Call visit fees, and any secondary insurance covers the other 20 percent. The patients who do not have any secondary insurance are responsible for the 20 percent co-pay.

Qualifying ZIP codes

View the map below to check if you live in a qualifying ZIP code. Call our Washington, D.C., or Baltimore location to confirm MedStar House Call Program eligibility at your exact address.

Washington, D.C.,

View our brochures

Baltimore region brochure

Washington, D.C., region brochure

Washington, D.C., region team - 202-877-0570

Physicians Eric De Jonge, MD, – Section Director Guy (Binny) Chang, MD Nurse Practitioners Nancy Sassa, CRNP - Chief Alexandra (Caitlin) Geary, CRNP Michelle Sullivan, CRNP Office Nurse Kendel Ogbeab, RN Social Workers Gretchen Nordstrom, LICSW - Chief Kellie Jones, LICSW Ruth Shea, LICSW Operations Manager Isi Koroma Care Coordinators LaWanda Holeman Sandra Mills Carrie Carmon Yvette Williams

Baltimore region team – 443-444-6100

Physicians George Taler, MD Sharareh Badri, MD Nurse Practitioner Dorothy Were, CRNP Adama Panda, CRNP Nurse Nerland Dimanche, RN, MSN Social Worker Marina Nellius, LMSW Operations Director Shereen Greene, MBA Care Coordinator Taurshica Lee

Operational support

Executive Director George Hennawai, MD AVP Operations Julie Beecher, MS, MPH

Baltimore Neighborhood

To learn more about our services in the Baltimore region, call us today.at 443-444-6100.

Washington, D.C., Neighborhood

To learn more about our services in the Washington, D.C., region, call us today at 202-877-0570

Related services

Walk-In STD Testing & Treatment at All Locations

Monday - Friday 9am - 10pm

Saturday – Sunday 10am – 6pm

877.471.9091

[email protected]

Brooklyn – Queens

AG Care Locations

Brownsville walk-in care.

Urgent Care | Primary Care | Pediatrics

Get Directions

Call 718.650.5551, location info, flatbush junction walk-in care, call 718.484.4913, bushwick walk-in care, call 718.682.3903, jamaica queens walk-in care, call 718.650.5553, primary care.

• Urgent Care

Testing & Shots

House calls: in-home doctor visits.

Experienced doctors in Brooklyn, Queens, Kings, Manhattan, The Bronx, and Staten Island New York providing safe and secure house calls to your home.

Why Do Patients Need a Doctor House Call?

• Patient is homebound.
• Patient is not mobile or has difficulty ambulating.
• Patient is using some mobility device.
• Patient is disable or otherwise not capable of visiting a Doctor’s Office.
• Physician needs to assess home environment, and patient and caregiver function

Types of House Calls

• Patient assessment (e.g., polypharmacy, multiple medical problems, excessive health care use, social isolation, frailty, suspected abuse, suspected neglect or self-neglect, need for family meeting, recent major change in health, consideration of long-term care admission).
• Illness management for homebound patients (emergency, acute, or chronic conditions).
• Terminal patients (e.g., palliative/terminal care, death pronouncement, grief support).
• Concierge services (e.g., health promotion, disease prevention).

Visits can be performed once or ongoing for patients with chronic or terminal conditions.

NYC Home Medical Services

• Primary Care/Routine Care
• Nutritionist

What to Expect During Your NYC Area House Call

With AG, you should expect a knowledgeable, and professional Doctor or Nurse Practitioner to assess, evaluate and treat you with care.

We will review the following:

• Impairment/Mobility
• Nutritional Status and eating habits
• Home environment

Medications

• Physical Exam
• Safety Exam
• Communication with your caregiver
• Spiritual health

Will My Insurance Cover the House Calls?

Most insurance carriers cover House Calls for people who are homebound. The Medicare definition for Home Bound is below.

For children or young adults, visits by insurance may require Insurance Authorizations. If you don’t have insurance, call us and we can guide you on getting your visit today.

Medicare Definition of Homebound

To be eligible for home health services, a Medicare beneficiary must:

• Need intermittent skilled nursing care; or physical, speech, or occupational therapy
• Be confined to the home (e.g., normal inability to leave; requires considerable and taxing effort to leave; requires supportive devices like canes, wheelchairs, and walkers to leave; requires special transportation to leave; requires help from another person to leave; medical contraindication for leaving the home)
• Be under a plan of care established and periodically reviewed by a physician
• Receive the services from a Medicare-participating home health agency

Additionally, the following should not disqualify a person from being considered confined to the home:

• Participation in therapeutic, psychosocial, or medical treatment in an adult day care program that is licensed or certified by the state
• Any other absence from the home that is infrequent or of relatively short duration; any absence for the purpose of attending a religious service shall be deemed to be an absence of infrequent or short duration; any absence for the purpose of attending a religious service shall be deemed to be an absence of infrequent or short duration.

Doctor House Calls in Brooklyn and Queens

Call Now: 877.471.9091

House calls gives the doctor a unique opportunity with patients that they don’t get in an office visit or during hospitalization. A house call fosters the doctor/patient relationship and improves the doctor’s understanding of the patient’s environment and support systems.

Benefits of house call programs were demonstrated when they were multidimensional and included multiple visits. Our approach is based on the VA’s uses of multidisciplinary care team to serve older patients in the home.

The VA has demonstrated fewer hospital admissions, shorter lengths of stay, reduction in readmission rates, and reduction in long-term care facility stays.

Multidisciplinary teams and inclusion of a physician and nurse practitioner are important factors to reduce inpatient days.

In-Home Medical Services

Emergency Room

Asthma Treatment

Allergy treatment.

• Hypertension

Skin Rashes

Sore & strep throat, uti treatment, weight & nutrition, wellness visits, we bring the doctor to your home.

• Are you unable to get to a Doctors office?
• Do you have a chronic condition?
• Did you recently have an operation?
• Were you recently discharged from the Hospital?

Call us or click below and schedule on of our trusted doctors to diagnose and treat you in the comfort of your own home.

Doctor In-Home Visit

AG Urgent Care has urgent care centers near your home in Brooklyn and Queens so that you can receive rapid home visits from our experienced doctors and staff.

In-Home Medical Support Services

Brooklyn area prescriptions.

Through AG Urgent Care and Knapp Pharmacy , you can conveniently pick up your prescriptions in Brooklyn or have your medication delivered right to your door. Visit knapprx.com or call 718-513-6178.

Brooklyn Home Medical Supplies

Through AG Urgent Care and Alba Medical Supply, you can have in-home medical supplies and devices delivered right to your door. Visit albasupplies.com or call 718-252-4120.

• Remote Patient Monitoring

Real-time at-home care via our smart phones, diagnostic machines, and wearables to collect real-time data and provide better access to healthcare.

• Annual Physical Exam
• ECG Consultation
• Pulmonary Function Test (Spirometry)
• Urinalysis (lab are additional charge)
• Blood Sugar Check
• Weight/Height BMI Check
• Flu Vaccine
• Family Planning
• Pregnancy Exam
• Pediatric Visits
• Physical Evaluation
• Childhood Immunizations (Vaccines maybe additional charge)
• Preventative Wellness Care
• Routine Visit (Medication Refill)
• Blood drawing
• Specimen Collection
• Fecal Occult Blood Test (laboratory results are additional charge)
• Drug Screening (laboratory results are additional charge)
• Work Physicals
• College Physicals
• DOT Physicals
• Pre-Surgical Release letter
• Flu-like symptoms
• Bronchitis & coughs
• Earaches & ear infections
• Allergy Symptoms
• Mononucleosis (mono)
• Pink eye & styes
• Sinus infections & congestion
• Sore & strep throat
• Upper respiratory infections
• Urinary tract & bladder infections
• Nebulizer treatment
• Ear Irrigation
• Abdominal pain/food poisoning
• Major Injuries
• Bug bites & stings
• Minor burns
• Minor cuts, blisters & wounds
• Splinter removal
• Sprains & strains
• Suture & staple removal
• Laceration repair (+ charge for suturing)
• Repair of split ear lobes (non-cosmetic)
• Splinting and casting (for non-displayed fractures)
• I & D Abscess
• STD (+ charge for lab orders)
• Corona Virus
• Skin Conditions
• Athlete's foot
• Chicken pox
• Cold, canker & mouth sores
• Poison ivy & poison oak
• Swimmer's itch
• Wart evaluation
• Specimen collection
• Fecal Occult Blood Test (+ lab results cost)
• Drug Screening (+ lab results cost)
• Prescribing of Medication/supplies
• Ordering of Labs or Diagnostics
• Work Release Letters
• Referral to Specialist
• Kids & Adults (First child under age 7 Free)
• Cold & Cough
• Sore Throat
• Corona Virus Symptoms
• Gastrointestinal Issues
• Depression & Anxiety
• Post- Surgical Follow Up
• Prescription Refill
• Therapy and Counseling

House Call Doctor Visits Make Life Easier for Seniors and Caregivers

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.

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:

• Visiting Physicians Association (VPA)
• Bay Area House Call Physicians
• Kindred House Calls

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 .

• Share Article on:

Related Articles

5 Questions to Ask Doctors About Tests and Treatments for Seniors

4 Common Eye Diseases That Cause Blindness in Aging Eyes

Improve Seniors’ Doctor Visits with 3 Communication Tips

18 comments, 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.

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.

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.

Joseph Artusa

I need a doctor

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.

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.)

What areas do you service?

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!

What areas do you service

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.

need a home care doctor

I hope the information above helps you find a great home care doctor in your area.

Leave a Reply Click here to cancel reply.

Cancel reply.

Watch our videos

250,000 subscribers

Join the conversation

134,000 followers

Pin our posts

24,900 followers

Get our newsletter

83,880 subscribers

• Hearing-Aids
• Healthy Aging
• Losing Weight
• Medical Issues
• Reducing Stress
• Brain Health
• Solo Travel
• Travel Tips
• Small Business
• Part-time Jobs
• Encore Careers
• Managing Money
• End of Life Planning
• Retirement Tips
• Senior Living
• Journal Writing
• Entertainment
• Inspiration
• Empowerment
• Getting Older
• Reinvention
• Giving Back
• Dating Advice
• Online Dating
• Adult Children
• Grandchildren
• Estrangement
• Arts and Crafts
• Piano Lessons
• Photography

Home Doctor Visits: What Does Medicare Cover?

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, patients have been hesitant to schedule in-person doctor visits ­– hence the increase in telehealth and telemedicine services. Yet, there are many conditions, services, and treatments for which virtual appointments are far from ideal.

Medicare beneficiaries may have Covid-related anxieties regarding face-to-face appointments in a medical setting, because of their higher risk. This begs the question: Does Medicare cover home doctor visits?

Types of Medicare Coverage

Before you try to figure out whether Medicare will cover a home doctor visit, you’ll need to know which doctors you can visit with your coverage. When you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B), with or without a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy, you’ll have coverage for any practitioner accepting Medicare assignment. Fortunately, most doctors in the United States accept the coverage.

With a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, you’ll need to stick to your policy’s network of doctors to receive coverage for any care you receive. Additionally, you’ll require referrals for coverage through your plan when seeing any specialist. Part C includes the coverage Parts A and B provide, which are inpatient and outpatient services, respectively.

When Does Medicare Cover House Calls?

Unfortunately, Medicare doesn’t typically cover the type of house calls with which people are most familiar. Even in the age of Covid, it’s not as simple to make an appointment for a home visit from your primary care physician as it is to schedule a telehealth visit.

Ultimately, Medicare will pay for you to receive care at home ( home health care ) if your circumstances qualify you for such. Again, you’ll need to make sure your provider accepts Medicare assignment (if you have Original Medicare) or is within your Advantage plan’s network for your care to receive coverage. This rule of thumb applies regardless of whether the care will take place at your home.

Medicare’s guidelines for home health care dictate that the visit must be medically necessary. Thus, you must be under the care of a doctor for your condition(s) and your doctor deems certain at-home care to be a necessity.

You must qualify as homebound, meaning you have difficulty leaving your home independently (i.e., without the use of an assistive device, such as a cane). Further, your practitioner must document a face-to-face meeting with you to verify your eligibility.

An eligible individual can receive physical, speech, or occupational therapy, or intermittent care from a skilled nursing professional at home. The practitioner providing the service must accept Medicare assignment or contract with your Advantage plan.

Independence at Home

In 2011, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched a program called the Independence at Home Demonstration. It is a voluntary, primary care program for patients with multiple chronic conditions who are still living independently but would benefit from a doctor’s visit at home. Yet only an extremely limited number of sites across the country participate in the model.

The program has resulted in savings for CMS. While the program was supposed to end at the close of 2020, it is now extended through the end of 2023 . If further success results from this endeavor, Medicare may see changes regarding this type of care.

The Future of Home Doctor Visits on Medicare

Hesitancy to attend in-person medical appointments due to possible Covid-19 exposure increases the need for alternative options. While Medicare now includes more coverage for telehealth than ever, the same cannot be said for house calls.

When an individual needs a face-to-face appointment with their primary provider to determine necessity for home health care, it’s clear that coverage is far from comprehensive. With the need to fill this gap in coverage and the success of the Independence at Home Demonstration, Medicare will hopefully see more coverage for primary care house calls – including routine check-ups – in the future. The health of beneficiaries depends on it.

How often have you visited your doctor’s office in the past year and a half? How often have you used telehealth services? Would you ask for a home doctor visit if it were available? How would that help you?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Yes I’d love home Dr visits, im wheelchair dependent and getting out and dressed for the appointment is an all day thing, not to mention wating to be seen is extremely painful.

Tags Medicare

Jagger Esch

Jagger Esch is a Medicare expert and the founder, president, and CEO of MedicareFAQ. He has been working in the Medicare space for over 10 years. Jagger has a passion for sharing his expertise on Medicare to beneficiaries so they can be better prepared for health care costs after retirement. His YouTube channel features various videos that help Medicare beneficiaries discover all their options.

You Might Also Like

A Guide to Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap and Long-Term Care Insurance

5 Surprising Things I’ve Learned About Medicare (#3 Sound Familiar?)

print this page Print this page

• Find a Doctor
• Request an Appointment
• Maps & Directions
• Billing & Pricing

Call Us 866.600.CARE

• Primary & Specialty Care
• Patients & Visitors
• Referring Physicians
• About UI Health

At UI Health, our foundation in academic excellence leads to new possibilities in healthcare. We take pride in serving Chicago and are committed to keeping your family healthy.

• PRIMARY CARE
• Internal Medicine
• Family Medicine
• Mile Square Health Center
• SPECIALTY CARE
• Craniofacial Center
• Dermatology
• Diabetes & Endocrinology
• Gastroenterology (GI)
• Liver Disease
• Ophthalmology
• Orthopaedics  
• Rehabilitation
• Sickle Cell
• WOMEN'S HEALTH
• Breast Care
• Labor & Delivery
• Mother/Baby
• Pelvic Health
• NEUROLOGY & NEUROSURGERY
• Brain Aneurysm
• Pain Management
• WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
• Bariatric Surgery
• Non-Surgical Weight Loss
• CANCER SERVICES
• Breast Cancer
• Colon Cancer
• Gynecologic Oncology
• Lung Cancer
• Urologic Cancers
• EAR, NOSE, & THROAT
• Otolaryngology
• Head and Neck Cancer
• Nasal & Sinus
• LUNG HEALTH
• Sarcoidosis
• Children's Hospital
• Robotic Surgery
• Vascular Surgery
• South Shore Dental
• Blood and Marrow

See More Services

A visit to the hospital can be overwhelming. At UI Health, we strive to make the patient and visitor experience as stress-free and comfortable as possible.

• PATIENT INFORMATION
• Financial Assistance
• Accessibility
• Billing and Pricing
• VISITING A PATIENT
• Accommodations
• PATIENT STORIES
• HEALTH INSURANCE
• Accepted Insurance Plans
• Certified Application Counselor
• Pharmacy Locations
• Prescription Services
• Student Services
• NURSING AT UI HEALTH
• Join Our Nursing Team
• HELPFUL NUMBERS
• Patient Safety & Policies
• Health Social Workers
• Volunteer Services
• LOCATIONS & MAPS
• Outpatient Care Center
• University Village Clinic
• Urgent Care
• Pilsen, Lower West

See More Patients & Visitors

• For Referring Physicians

The University of Illinois Hospital and Clinics is a patient-centered organization. Providing safe, high-quality and cost-effective care for our patients is our foremost responsibility. The care of our patients and their families will always be at the heart of our mission.

Our Mission

• Mission, Vision, and Values
• UI Health Leadership
• Points of Pride
• Community Commitment
• Annual Events
• Better Health through Housing
• Vice President for Health Affairs
• Leadership Team
• Population Health Sciences
• Quality and Patient Safety
• Employee Pride
• Recognition
• Nursing at UI Health
• Extraordinary Nurses
• Career Opportunities
• UI Health Jobs
• Admin Fellowship
• Volunteering
• Connect With Us

See More About UI Health

Physician Home Visits

Family & community medicine, family medicine services, appointments, student health, our providers, locations and hours, our home visits team.

Yvette Kimble, DNP, APRN-FPA, FNP-C Family Medicine

Julie Loza, MD Family Medicine

L. Amanda Perry, MD Family Medicine

Advanced Care in the Comfort of your Home

The UI Health Physician Home Visits Program, staffed by the excellent physicians from the Family Medicine Clinic , brings compassionate, comprehensive medical care to the homes of patients of all ages, enabling them to

• Remain at home
• Avoid costly hospitalizations and emergency room visits
• Stay healthy before a condition or situation gets worse

You may need a Physician Home Visit if you

• Were recently discharged from the hospital, Emergency Room, or Critical Decision Unit
• Are home bound due to a medical condition
• Have a difficult time getting to physician office visits
• Had a major surgery and need post-surgical care at home
• Are seeking palliative care or end of life care services

Our Services

• Physician home visits
• Assisted living home visits
• Wound care, including decubitus ulcer care and debridement
• Blood testing
• Coordination of care with home health and social service agencies
• Other physician services that can be provided in your home

Making an Appointment An initial house call can be scheduled by contacting our office at 312-996-1119 .

New patients must complete registration and have a brief eligibility screening by phone. The physician home visit will be scheduled within a week of contacting our office.

Follow-up Visits Follow-up visits will be scheduled during each home visit as needed. If a problem develops before the next scheduled visit, the patient or caregiver can contact our office and schedule an earlier appointment.

Refills Medications are refilled during regular office hours by calling our office at 312.996.2901 . Leave a message for the nurse if necessary and she will call you back within 24 hours. Please allow 48 hours for all refill requests.

Billing and Insurance The UI Health Home Visits Program accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most major insurance providers.

Home Visit Physicians' Hours Visits are scheduled as needed, and will usually occur between 7 am and 5 pm. Some home visits may occur on Saturday. To schedule a house call, please call 312-996-1119 .

How to Contact us after Business Hours Although our family doctors do not make late evening or night visits, we provide a 24-hour answering service to reach a physician for a consultation or to determine if urgent or emergency care is needed. Call our office at 312.996.2901 , and a physician will return your call, usually within one hour.

• Locations & Directions
• Accessible Care
• Privacy Policy
• MyChart (Patient Portal)
• Price Transparency
• Give a Gift
• Employee Intranet
• Marketing Toolkit
• Website Feedback

GENERAL INFORMATION 866.600.CARE

  Visit UI Health on Facebook   Visit UI Health on Twitter --> Visit UI Health on LinkedIn Visit UI Health on Youtube Visit UI Health on Mobile

University of Illinois Hospital 1740 West Taylor Street Chicago, IL 60612

Types of Doctors and Medical Specialists: Which One Should You See?

Learn about the different types of primary care doctors and medical specialists.

This article is based on reporting that features expert sources.

Types of Medical Specialists

Getty Images

Navigating the health care system is daunting, especially when determining which type of doctors or medical specialists to see for specific health concerns. Understanding the role of your primary care physician and various medical specialists will help you make informed decisions about your health care needs.

Learn about the different types of medical specialists and when you may need a referral to visit a specialty doctor.

Key Takeaways

• There are various types of primary care doctors, including internal medicine doctors, family medicine doctors and pediatricians.
• Primary care physicians can generally take care of a majority of medical cases.
• You may need to see a specialist in certain circumstances, such as if you have a chronic or complex disease, lab results that need expert interpretation, an uncertain diagnosis or a need or want for a second opinion.
• There are various medical specialists and subspecialists who are specifically trained in the diagnosis and treatment of certain types of diseases and conditions.

Primary Care Doctors

Primary care doctors are the entry point to the medical system. They provide a comprehensive approach to care, including prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of health issues. Primary care doctors also help coordinate care when you need to see a specialist.

Having a primary care doctor allows for an ongoing patient-doctor relationship built on mutual trust.

There are different types of primary care doctors :

• Internal medicine doctors. Also called an internist , internal medicine doctors manage common and complex illnesses typically for adults and older adults.
• Family medicine doctors. Family medicine doctors provide continuous care for people of all ages, backgrounds and conditions, often caring for entire families from birth through the end of life.
• Pediatricians. Pediatricians are a type of primary care doctor specializing in the care of infants, children and adolescents. They provide primary and preventive care, including administering routine immunizations or providing acute care for common childhood illnesses , like ear infections, colds and flu and minor injuries.

Starting with a visit to your primary care physician is a great way to assess whether or not you need to see a specialist.

“Sometimes, I’ll say to the patient, ‘I can take care of that. You don’t need to go to the specialist at this point in time,’” says Dr. Theodore Strange, chair of medicine at Staten Island University Hospital, a division of Northwell Health, in New York City.

In fact, upwards of 95% of cases can be taken care of with good primary care , says Dr. David Cutler, a board-certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. “The referral itself is the exception,” he adds.

When to See a Medical Specialist

However, there are a few reasons doctors may refer patients to a specialist, including:

• If the patient has a certain chronic or complex disease with symptoms that may need specialist testing. For example, someone with a cardiac condition may need a stress test, or an individual with a GI condition may need a specific type of endoscopy or colonoscopy.
• If you have the results of testing and need a more expert interpretation of the test to better treat the case.
• If there’s a patient with an uncertain diagnosis. A primary care physician may refer you to a specialist if they have run out of options and need an expert with more specialized medical knowledge to diagnose and treat you.
• If you need or want a second opinion .

Types of Medical Specialists You Might Need

Medical specialists have additional training and expertise in a specific area of medicine. Some even subspecialize, meaning they have even more specialized training within their specific field of medicine.

Below are several common medical specialists you might see.

Allergists-immunologist

• What is an allergist-immunologist? An allergist-immunologist diagnoses, treats and manages disorders related to the immune system, immune deficiency diseases and adverse reactions to triggers, such as drugs or food.

What do allergists-immunologists treat? Allergist-immunologists treat allergic rhinitis (hay fever), food allergies , asthma, eczema, immunodeficiency disorders and other conditions related to the immune system.

Cardiologist

• What is a cardiologist? Cardiologists deal with the prevention and treatment of disorders of the heart and vascular system.

What do cardiologists treat? Cardiologists treat cardiac issues, such as coronary artery disease , heart failure, arrhythmias and congenital heart defects.

Dermatologist

• What is a dermatologist? Dermatologists are medical specialists trained in the diagnosis and management of conditions related to the skin, hair and nails.

What do dermatologists treat? Dermatologists treat a wide range of issues, including acne, rashes, eczema, psoriasis , skin infections and skin cancer . They may also treat patients with cosmetic concerns, such as wrinkles or acne scarring.

Endocrinologist

• What is an endocrinologist? Endocrinologists are doctors who focus on disorders related to the endocrine system , which involves the glands and organs that make hormones.
• What do endocrinologists treat? Endocrinologists treat patients with endocrine conditions and disorders, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, metabolic abnormalities and hormonal imbalances .

Gastroenterologist

• What is a gastroenterologist? Gastroenterologists , or GI doctors, manage diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including your esophagus, stomach, bowels, liver, pancreas and gallbladder.

What do gastroenterologists treat? Gastroenterologists treat GI conditions, like cancer , hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea or constipation, heartburn and ulcers.

Geriatric medicine specialist

• What is a geriatric medicine specialist? Also referred to as geriatricians , specialty doctors of geriatric medicine have specialized knowledge related to aging and training in diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive and rehabilitative care for older adults.
• What do geriatric medicine specialists treat? Geriatric physicians treat conditions that may commonly occur with aging , such as cognitive decline, mobility issues, chronic diseases and medication management. They often collaborate with other health care professionals, such as physical and occupational therapists, mental health professionals and social workers.

Hematologist

• What is a hematologist? Hematologists focus on disorders related to the blood and blood-forming tissues and organs.

What do hematologists treat? Hematologists treat blood-related conditions, such as anemia , bleeding or clotting disorders and blood cancers.

Hospice and palliative medicine specialist

• What is a hospice and palliative medicine specialist? Hospice and palliative medicine specialists provide care and support to patients and their families as the patient navigates living with a serious or terminal illness.
• What do hospice and palliative medicine specialists treat? Hospice and palliative medicine specialists aim to prevent and alleviate suffering and to focus on improving quality of life for those with serious illness. This may include addressing physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs, such as administering pain management or end-of-life care . Common conditions treated include cancer, cardiovascular diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, or COPD .

Infectious disease specialist

• What is an infectious disease specialist? Infectious disease specialists diagnose and treat infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites.
• What do infectious disease specialists treat? This medical specialist treats a wide range of infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS , antibiotic-resistant infections and tuberculosis.
• What is a geneticist? These medical specialists diagnose and treat genetic disorders or conditions. Geneticists have special training in the study of genes and heredity.
• What do geneticists treat? Clinical geneticists care for patients in a clinical or research-based setting, and many geneticists counsel patients at risk for particular genetic disorders or cancers, such as sickle cell disease or hereditary breast and ovarian cancer .

Nephrologist

• What is a nephrologist? Nephrologists are medical doctors who treat disorders of the kidney.

What do nephrologists treat? Nephrologists treat patients with kidney-related disorders , including kidney stones, chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. They often provide related medical management and may oversee dialysis, kidney transplantation and postoperative care, and managing diabetes or high blood pressure .

Neurologist

• What is a neurologist? Neurologists are specialty doctors who diagnose and treat disorders of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and nerves.

What do neurologists treat? Neurologists treat a range of disorders affecting the nervous system, including epilepsy, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorders , Parkinson’s disease and migraines.

Obstetrician-gynecologist

• What is an OB-GYN? An obstetrician-gynecologist specializes in the medical and surgical care of women related to pregnancy and childbirth and disorders of the female reproductive system.

What do OB-GYNs treat? In addition to pregnancy and childbirth, OB-GYNs specialize in women’s health issues, such as menopause , contraception (birth control), infertility, endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS.

• What is an oncologist? Oncologists specialize in diagnosing and treating cancer .

What do oncologists treat? Oncologists manage several aspects of cancer care throughout the course of the disease and often consult with other specialists, like surgical oncologists, to develop treatment plans and provide care. These medical doctors often subspecialize in a particular type of cancer, such as breast oncology , neuro-oncology and radiation oncologists.

Ophthalmologist

• What is an ophthalmologist? Ophthalmologists are eye doctors who are medically trained to manage all aspects of eye and vision care , including medical and surgical treatments.

What do ophthalmologists treat? General ophthalmologists treat diseases and disorders of the eye, such as cataracts, glaucoma, eye infections, diabetic retinopathy and refractive errors. They can also prescribe glasses and contact lenses.

Orthopedist

• What is an orthopedist? A general orthopedist , or orthopedic surgeon , specializes in disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles.

What do orthopedists treat? Orthopedists may treat congenital deformities, traumatic or sports injuries, spinal disorders and degenerative diseases, as well as perform other types of orthopedic surgery .

Otolaryngologist

• What is an otolaryngologist? Commonly referred to as ear, nose and throat doctors, or ENTs, otolaryngologists are medical and surgical specialty doctors who diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the head and neck.

What do otolaryngologists treat? Conditions ENTs treat may include chronic sinusitis, allergic or non-allergic rhinitis, gastrointestinal reflux , tonsillitis and sleep apnea .

Physical medicine and rehabilitation physician

• What is a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician? Also referred to as physiatrists , these doctors focus on the functioning of the whole patient, rather than specific organs or systems, to manage pain and restore function.
• What do physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians treat? Physiatrists treat conditions which may limit a person’s ability to function, such as amputation, brain injury, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease or a spinal cord injury.

Plastic surgeon

• What is a plastic surgeon? Plastic surgeons subspecialize in performing procedures that restore, reconstruct or replace physical defects or functions.
• What do plastic surgeons treat? Plastic surgeons handle reconstructive procedures, like cleft lip and palate repair or breast reconstruction after mastectomy, as well as cosmetic procedures, such as rhinoplasty or facelift.
• What is a podiatrist? Podiatrists treat issues of the foot, ankle and lower extremities.
• What do podiatrists treat? Podiatrists manage conditions or injuries related to the lower extremities, such as sprains and fractures, plantar fasciitis , bunions, hammertoes and foot and ankle arthritis.

Psychiatrist

• What is a psychiatrist? A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of mental health, emotional and behavioral health disorders. They can prescribe medication and use other medical approaches to disease.
• What do psychiatrists treat? Psychiatrists see patients with mental, addictive and emotional disorders, such as psychotic disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders and substance use disorders.

Psychologist

• What is a psychologist? A psychologist is a mental health professional who treats mental, emotional and behavioral issues through therapy and counseling. Unlike psychiatrists, they cannot prescribe medication in most states. (Only Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana and New Mexico allow psychologists with additional, specialized training to prescribe from an approved list of medications for certain emotional and mental health disorders, but they often collaborate with psychiatrists and other health providers.)
• What do psychologists treat? Similar to psychiatrists, psychologists work with patients with a variety of mental health disorders . They may also see people without clinical disorders who are feeling stressed or anxious to help them cope more effectively.

Pulmonologist

• What is a pulmonologist? Pulmonologists are medical specialists of the respiratory system.

What do pulmonologists treat? Pulmonologists manage serious or chronic diseases of the lungs and airways, such as emphysema, bronchitis , pneumonia, asthma and COPD.

Rheumatologist

• What is a rheumatologist? Rheumatologists are specialized medical doctors who diagnose and treat disorders related to your joints, muscles and connective tissues.

What do rheumatologists treat? Rheumatologists treat musculoskeletal diseases and systemic autoimmune conditions – referred to as rheumatic diseases – such as rheumatoid arthritis , osteoarthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia and gout .

Sleep medicine specialist

• What is a sleep medicine specialist? These medical specialists manage clinical sleep-related disorders and promote healthy sleeping habits. 

What do sleep medicine specialists treat? Sleep medicine specialists use clinical assessment and physiologic testing to diagnose, manage and prevent sleep disorders , such as insomnia, narcolepsy, parasomnias, circadian rhythm disorders and sleep-related breathing disorders, like obstructive sleep apnea.

General surgeon

What is a general surgeon? General surgeons are trained in diagnosis, preoperative, operative and postoperative management in the nine primary components of surgery, which consist of the:

• Abdominal and pelvic organs.
• Breasts, skin and soft tissues.
• Head and neck.
• Cardiovascular system.
• Endocrine system.
• Surgical oncology.
• Critical care and emergency surgery.

What do general surgeons treat? General surgeons can perform surgical procedures for a wide range of conditions, including appendectomies, hernia repairs and gallbladder removals.

• What is a urologist? Urologists are doctors who deal with diseases of the male reproductive organs and the male and female urinary tract.

What do urologists treat? Urologists may treat kidney stones , urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction .

Do You Need a Referral to See Specialists?

Whether or not you need a referral to see a specialist depends on your health insurance plan , your doctor or the type of specialist you’re trying to see.

Point of service, or POS, plans and health maintenance organizations, or HMOs, often require a primary care physician to work with your insurer for pre-approval to visit a specialist. The referral also likely needs to be for a specialist within your insurance network. If you’re unsure whether or not you need a referral, check with your insurance company first. Otherwise, your plan may not cover the care and you’ll get stuck with high out-of-pocket costs.

In addition to the patient’s health insurance coverage, symptoms , medical history and diagnostic testing and results, primary care physicians will likely take these factors into consideration when making a referral:

• Accessibility . It's important for the specialist to be geographically accessible to the patient.
• Availability . Some specialists can take months to make an appointment with, so referring doctors take their availability into consideration.
• Coordination of care . When physicians are part of a broader health network, they’ll likely recommend a specialized doctor within the same network. One benefit is shared electronic medical records, which helps streamline follow-up coordination of care.

Patient preferences or needs . Doctors may discuss options with a patient, taking their particular values, personal preferences or individual needs into account to ensure the referral aligns with their goals.

The U.S. News Health team delivers accurate information about health, nutrition and fitness, as well as in-depth medical condition guides. All of our stories rely on multiple, independent sources and experts in the field, such as medical doctors and licensed nutritionists. To learn more about how we keep our content accurate and trustworthy, read our  editorial guidelines .

Cutler is a board-certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.

Strange is the chair of medicine at Staten Island University Hospital, a division of Northwell Health, in New York City.

Tags: women's health , men's health , children's health , senior health , health care , family health , doctors , patient advice

health disclaimer »

Disclaimer and a note about your health », you may also like, the horrors of tmj.

KFF Health News April 11, 2024

Time Blindness ADHD Productivity Tools

Claire Wolters April 11, 2024

Knee Arthritis

Barbara Sadick April 10, 2024

Medicare Mistakes

Elaine Hinzey April 9, 2024

Dementia Care: Tips for Home Caregivers

Elaine K. Howley April 5, 2024

How to Find a Primary Care Doctor

Vanessa Caceres April 5, 2024

Symptoms of a Kidney Problem

Claire Wolters April 4, 2024

Allergies vs. Colds

Payton Sy April 4, 2024

Nervous Breakdowns: Signs and Symptoms

Heidi Godman and Paul Wynn April 1, 2024

Exercises for Osteoarthritis

Vanessa Caceres March 29, 2024

Fight coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission at home

Used properly, most common household disinfectants will kill the virus that causes COVID-19.

Getting your COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to lower your risk of serious illness. Getting the vaccine also prevents the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

In addition to the vaccine there are other actions you can take to keep this coronavirus from spreading in your home. Wash your hands well and often to lower your risk of infection. Improving air flow in your home and filtering the air can help. And for the coronavirus and other germs, clean those high-touch surfaces in your home and disinfect them when needed.

What's the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?

Cleaning removes most germs and dust or dirt. Disinfecting kills most germs. If someone in your home has COVID-19, clean first, then disinfect.

How is COVID-19 spread?

The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person. It can spread from people who are infected but have no symptoms. When people with COVID-19 cough, sneeze, breathe, sing or talk, the virus carried on their breath can land on the faces of people nearby. The virus spreads when other people breathe in infected droplets or when the droplets land in their eyes, noses or mouths.

The COVID-19 virus also can spread if people touch their eyes, noses or mouths after touching a surface with the virus on it. Without cleaning and disinfection, the COVID-19 virus may stay on surfaces from hours to days. But the risk of COVID-19 through contact with infected surfaces seems low.

How can I clean and disinfect my home?

You can lower the risk of spreading of the COVID-19 virus by focusing on surfaces that are touched often. Examples are tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, counters, desks, toilets, faucets and sinks. Clean these things with soap and water or with a product made for the specific surface. Follow the instructions on the product label.

Most often, cleaning is enough to lower the risk. Clean more often if someone in your home is at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

If someone who is sick with COVID-19 lives with you or has been in your home within the last 24 hours, disinfect surfaces right after cleaning them. Disinfecting helps kill germs that are left.

Disinfecting uses strong chemicals.

Read product labels before use and follow instructions carefully. Many disinfectants need to stay on surfaces for some time to work. This is called the contact time, and the label will tell you that length of time.

Put on gloves before disinfecting. Disposable gloves are best because you can throw them away when you're done. If you have only gloves that you reuse, don't use them for anything else. Wash your hands well with soap and water for 20 seconds right after cleaning and disinfecting.

Keep doors or windows open and use a fan to help increase air flow while disinfecting your home.

What disinfectants kill COVID-19?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a list of disinfectants for use against COVID-19. Look for products with active ingredients such as ethanol, hydrogen peroxide or quaternary ammonium. In the U.S., check labels for EPA registration numbers.

Does bleach work against COVID-19?

Yes. You can make a disinfecting solution by mixing 4 teaspoons (about 20 milliliters) of household bleach and 1 quart (a bit less than 1 liter) of water.

Read and follow instructions on your bottle of bleach. It's also important to wear gloves and make sure there's good airflow in the room. Don't mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser because mixing can cause toxic fumes.

How can I disinfect phones and other electronics?

Cellphones are high-touch devices that can carry COVID-19 germs. Follow makers' advice for cleaning and disinfecting them and other electronics. You also may consider covering your phone or shared electronics, such as a keyboard, with a product that can be easily disinfected.

Protect yourself every day

As you touch people, surfaces and objects throughout the day, you get germs on your hands. You can infect yourself with these germs by touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

To protect yourself, wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If there's no soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

• When and how to clean and disinfect your home. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/cleaning/cleaning-your-home.html. Accessed Feb. 28, 2024.
• McIntosh K. COVID-19: Epidemiology, virology, and prevention. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 28, 2024.
• Smith BA. COVID-19: Infection prevention for persons with SARS-CoV-2 infection. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 28, 2024.
• COVID-19: How to protect yourself and others. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html. Accessed Feb. 28, 2024.
• Cleaning and disinfecting: Best practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/cleaning-and-disinfecting-best-practices-during-covid-19-pandemic. Accessed Feb. 28, 2024.
• List N advanced search page: Disinfectants for coronavirus (COVID-19). https://www.epa.gov/coronavirus/list-n-advanced-search-page-disinfectants-coronavirus-covid-19. Accessed Feb. 28, 2024.

Products and Services

• A Book: Endemic - A Post-Pandemic Playbook
• Begin Exploring Women's Health Solutions at Mayo Clinic Store
• A Book: Future Care
• Antibiotics: Are you misusing them?
• COVID-19 and vitamin D
• Convalescent plasma therapy
• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• COVID-19: How can I protect myself?
• Herd immunity and coronavirus
• COVID-19 and pets
• COVID-19 and your mental health
• COVID-19 antibody testing
• COVID-19, cold, allergies and the flu
• COVID-19 drugs: Are there any that work?
• Long-term effects of COVID-19
• COVID-19 tests
• COVID-19 in babies and children
• Coronavirus infection by race
• COVID-19 travel advice
• COVID-19 vaccine: Should I reschedule my mammogram?
• COVID-19 vaccines for kids: What you need to know
• COVID-19 vaccines
• COVID-19 variant
• COVID-19 vs. flu: Similarities and differences
• COVID-19: Who's at higher risk of serious symptoms?
• Debunking coronavirus myths
• Different COVID-19 vaccines
• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
• Fever: First aid
• Fever treatment: Quick guide to treating a fever
• Honey: An effective cough remedy?
• How do COVID-19 antibody tests differ from diagnostic tests?
• How to take your pulse
• How to measure your respiratory rate
• How to take your temperature
• How well do face masks protect against COVID-19?
• Is hydroxychloroquine a treatment for COVID-19?
• Loss of smell
• Mayo Clinic Minute: You're washing your hands all wrong
• Mayo Clinic Minute: How dirty are common surfaces?
• Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pregnancy and COVID-19
• Safe outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Safety tips for attending school during COVID-19
• Sex and COVID-19
• Shortness of breath
• Thermometers: Understand the options
• Treating COVID-19 at home
• Unusual symptoms of coronavirus
• Vaccine guidance from Mayo Clinic
• Watery eyes

Related information

• COVID-19 vaccines: Get the facts
• How well do face masks protect against coronavirus?
• Post-COVID Recovery

News on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Learn the latest medical news about COVID-19 on Mayo Clinic News Network.

• Fight coronavirus COVID-19 transmission at home

Your gift holds great power – donate today!

Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine.

Watch CBS News

Did you look at the solar eclipse too long? Doctors explain signs of eye damage

By Sara Moniuszko

Edited By Allison Elyse Gualtieri

Updated on: April 8, 2024 / 3:42 PM EDT / CBS News

Did you look up at the solar eclipse without your safety glasses ? Looking at the sun — even when it's partially covered like during the eclipse on April 8 — can cause eye damage.

There is no safe dose of solar ultraviolet rays or infrared radiation, said  Dr. Yehia Hashad , an ophthalmologist, retinal specialist and the chief medical officer at eye health company Bausch + Lomb.

"A very small dose could cause harm to some people," he said. "That's why we say the partial eclipse could also be damaging. And that's why we protect our eyes with the partial as well as with the full sun."

But how do you know if you've hurt your vision? We asked eye doctors what to know.

Is it a sign of eye damage if your eyes hurt after looking at the eclipse?

Your eyes likely won't hurt if you look at the eclipse without protection — but that doesn't make it any less dangerous.

In fact, the painlessness is part of why the event is so concerning to eye care professionals, said Dr. Jason P. Brinton, an ophthalmologist and medical director at Brinton Vision in St. Louis. 

"Everyone knows don't look at the sun. If you go out on a bright day and try to look at the sun — it's very uncomfortable, very bright. So most people intuitively associate that with something they should not be doing," Brinton said. "But with the eclipse, so much of that is blocked and so that natural sense of discomfort and aversion to the brightness is not there."

In some cases, the sun can also damage the cornea, which can be painful, Brinton says.

"The good news is that this fully heals without lasting issues, so this is why we don't think about this aspect as much. The retinal issues, on the other hand, are painless and can have permanent, lasting effects on vision," he said.

What are other signs of eye damage from looking at a solar eclipse?

Hashad says there are a few "alarming signals" to be aware of, including: 

• Blurred vision
• Scotomas, or dark spots: "You just see a black area or a black spot in the field of vision," Hashad said. 
• Color changes:  "You don't see the colors the same way you were seeing it before," he said.
• Distorted lines:  Hashad says this is clinically known as metamorphopsia, which makes lines appear warped, distorted or bent.

"This could be happening unilateral or bilateral," he said. "So it doesn't necessarily happen in both eyes. It could be affecting one over the other or both eyes together."

Issues may not be apparent immediately, either, sometimes appearing one to a few days following the event.

And while some will regain normal visual function, sometimes the damage is permanent. 

"Often there will be some recovery of the vision in the first few months after it, but sometimes there is no recovery and sometimes there's a degree to which it is permanent," Brinton said. 

What should you do if you show symptoms of eye damage?

If you're experiencing any symptoms of eye damage, Hashad suggested people "immediately" seek an ophthalmologist's advice.

"Seeing an eye care professional to solidify the diagnosis and for education I think is reasonable," Brinton said. 

Unfortunately, there isn't a treatment for solar retinopathy, the official name for the condition.

"Right now there is nothing that we do for this. Just wait and give it time and the body does tend to heal up a measure of it," Brinton explained.

That is why prevention is so important, and remains the "mainstay of treatment of solar retinopathy or solar damage to the retina," Hashad explained. 

How long is too long to look at a solar eclipse without glasses?

Any amount of time looking at the solar eclipse without glasses is too long, experts said.

"Damage from the solar eclipse could happen to the retina in seconds," Hashad said. "That's why we don't want people to stare even for a short period of time — even if for a few seconds to the direct sun — whether eclipsed or even partially eclipsed."

Sara Moniuszko is a health and lifestyle reporter at CBSNews.com. Previously, she wrote for USA Today, where she was selected to help launch the newspaper's wellness vertical. She now covers breaking and trending news for CBS News' HealthWatch.

More from CBS News

See pictures of the solar eclipse from around New England

Research finds that insomnia can lead to long-term health issues

South Station Tower fire forces Suffolk Construction to halt project for safety audit

Tom Brady: QB play "dumbed down," NFL's rule changes have gone too far

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Solar eclipse, worried about eclipse damage to your eyes don't panic.

Geoff Brumfiel

Nell Greenfieldboyce

Junior Espejo looks through eclipse glasses being handed out by NASA in Houlton, Maine. Used correctly, eclipse glasses prevent eye damage. Joe Raedle/Getty Images hide caption

Junior Espejo looks through eclipse glasses being handed out by NASA in Houlton, Maine. Used correctly, eclipse glasses prevent eye damage.

Tens of millions of Americans will have spent the day staring at a total solar eclipse, and at least a few of them may become worried that they inadvertently damaged their eyes.

But experts say there's no need to panic — the vast majority of eclipse viewers are probably fine. And even if somebody did strain their eyes, the effects could be temporary.

During the 2017 total solar eclipse it's estimated that 150 million Americans viewed the event. There were around 100 documented cases of eye damage across all of America and Canada, according to Ralph Chou, an expert on eclipse eye safety with the University of Waterloo in Canada.

Far more people turned up in emergency rooms worried that they'd damaged their eyes. Many complained of watery eyes or blurred vision, but in most cases they were fine, according to Avnish Deobhakta, an ophthalmologist at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, one of the largest eye hospitals in the nation.

The reason it's hard to do real damage is simple — the human eye has evolved to avoid staring directly at the sun.

"It's so bright that we're not actually capable of looking at it without either tearing or sort of not really feeling comfortable staring at this ball of light," Deobhakta says.

Shots - Health News

Here's what it looks like when you fry your eye in an eclipse.

In the rare case that someone does damage their eyes, that damage usually shows up as a blurry spot in the field of vision , hours or up to a day after watching the eclipse. In about half of cases, the problem fixes itself, but permanent damage can sometimes occur.

Anticipating the post-eclipse ocular anxiety, at least one eye clinic in Buffalo, N.Y., is offering free eye checks immediately after the eclipse on April 8.

It's always a good idea to get your eyes checked, whether or not there's an eclipse. So if you're worried at all, go ahead and use the opportunity to schedule your annual exam.

• eclipse eye damage
• 2024 eclipse

• Share full article

For more audio journalism and storytelling, download New York Times Audio , a new iOS app available for news subscribers.

• April 12, 2024   •   34:23 How One Family Lost $900,000 in a Timeshare Scam
• April 11, 2024   •   28:39 The Staggering Success of Trump’s Trial Delay Tactics
• April 10, 2024   •   22:49 Trump’s Abortion Dilemma
• April 9, 2024   •   30:48 How Tesla Planted the Seeds for Its Own Potential Downfall
• April 8, 2024   •   30:28 The Eclipse Chaser
• April 7, 2024 The Sunday Read: ‘What Deathbed Visions Teach Us About Living’
• April 5, 2024   •   29:11 An Engineering Experiment to Cool the Earth
• April 4, 2024   •   32:37 Israel’s Deadly Airstrike on the World Central Kitchen
• April 3, 2024   •   27:42 The Accidental Tax Cutter in Chief
• April 2, 2024   •   29:32 Kids Are Missing School at an Alarming Rate
• April 1, 2024   •   36:14 Ronna McDaniel, TV News and the Trump Problem
• March 29, 2024   •   48:42 Hamas Took Her, and Still Has Her Husband

How One Family Lost $900,000 in a Timeshare Scam

A mexican drug cartel is targeting seniors and their timeshares..

Hosted by Katrin Bennhold

Produced by Asthaa Chaturvedi and Will Reid

With Clare Toeniskoetter and Lynsea Garrison

Edited by Brendan Klinkenberg and Michael Benoist

Original music by Marion Lozano ,  Rowan Niemisto ,  Dan Powell ,  Pat McCusker and Will Reid

Engineered by Chris Wood

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

Warning: this episode contains descriptions of violence.

A massive scam targeting older Americans who own timeshare properties has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars sent to Mexico.

Maria Abi-Habib, an investigative correspondent for The Times, tells the story of a victim who lost everything, and of the criminal group making the scam calls — Jalisco New Generation, one of Mexico’s most violent cartels.

On today’s episode

Maria Abi-Habib , an investigative correspondent for The New York Times based in Mexico City.

Background reading

How a brutal Mexican drug cartel came to target seniors and their timeshares .

There are a lot of ways to listen to The Daily. Here’s how.

We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson and Nina Lassam.

Katrin Bennhold is the Berlin bureau chief. A former Nieman fellow at Harvard University, she previously reported from London and Paris, covering a range of topics from the rise of populism to gender. More about Katrin Bennhold

Advertisement