Most of us are accustomed to traditional care in a clinic or hospital setting, so you may have many questions about how care is delivered from House Calls. Click on each question for more information.
Who could benefit from House Calls?
House Calls offers care to chronically ill adults who have difficulty leaving their homes for clinic appointments.
What is the benefit of switching to House Calls vs. seeing my current provider?
We specialize in caring for adults with complex health issues. Our in-home care means experts come to you and no more going back and forth to the clinic or arranging for transportation for routine check-ups and other needs. Our providers and care teams come to you and customize medical care around your needs and goals.
What does House Calls cost?
House Calls billing is handled the same way as a trip to the doctor’s office. House Calls is billed through Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance. Depending on your insurance coverage, a copay may apply.
Most insurance plans should cover in-home care. If you have a secondary insurance policy, House Calls automatically bills your secondary insurance for any charges not covered by your primary insurance.
Please call us to discuss your specific situation.
Is home-based primary care more expensive than visiting a doctor in a clinic?
No. We bill insurance, and you will have a co-pay or co-insurance like when you went into your primary care provider’s office.
What is a typical visit like?
A House Calls visit is like a regular appointment at the clinic except it takes place in the comfort of your home. When a provider from House Calls visits you in your home, we can see more of your world to better support your needs and increase the quality of your life.
Who provides care?
Our House Calls team includes a local physician, nurse practitioners and registered nurses. Get to know our House Calls team.
What if I have to go to the hospital?
Our goal is prevent emergency room visits or hospitalizations when possible. There may be times that it is medically necessary for you to go to the urgent care, the emergency department or hospital, and you may be advised to do so from your House Calls team.
Will I see the same provider on each house call?
When possible, you will see a consistent provider, however you may be seen by one of our other clinicians depending on scheduling, availability and other urgent needs. Our providers will all have access to your medical records, for seamless care and support.
Will House Calls be considered my primary doctor? Can I still see my regular doctor?
When you choose House Calls primary care, our clinicians become your primary care provider, and we will work with any specialists you may see, such as your cardiologist, neurologist and more. With House Calls palliative care consultations, you retain your existing primary care provider.
What if I need lab work, X-rays or other testing?
X-rays, EKGs and other services or procedures may be required to evaluate a medical problem. Certain tests may require a visit to a specialty clinic. For example, imaging studies that require large, fixed equipment, like CT scans or MRIs, must be done at a nearby imaging center or hospital outpatient department.
House Calls coordinates care with patients, families, facility staff (if applicable) and insurance companies to manage specialists, home care services, physical therapy, offsite testing and lab orders, and medical device and equipment delivery.
How long will it take to schedule my first visit?
Because scheduling and availability changes constantly depending on our patients’ needs, timing for your first visit will vary. We will do our best to schedule a House Calls visit within 2-4 weeks.
Where can a House Calls provider see me? What do you consider to be “home”?
House Calls will visit you wherever you live, whether that’s in an assisted living facility, private residence or other place you call “home.” View our service area map to see if we can provide care in your home, or contact us.
How often are visits scheduled?
House Calls will provide care to you in your home as frequently as is medically necessary, based on your symptoms and conditions. If, when between visits, you develop a problem and need to be seen sooner, please contact us or call (701) 356-1560.
What are your hours of operation? What if I need a visit after hours, on the weekend, or on a holiday?
House Calls visits are typically made Monday through Friday between 8 a.m-5 p.m. We do not routinely schedule after-hours, weekend or holiday visits, but a clinician is available 24/7 by phone to help guide care depending on your symptoms.
Much like your current primary care provider, if you are in urgent need of a visit, we will do our best to schedule a House Call. In the event we are unable to visit you in your home, we will provide phone support.
House Calls is not an emergency service. If you ever experience a life-threatening emergency, you should call 911 immediately. If you go to the hospital, please contact us so we can send appropriate records to assist in your care.
Can a provider come to my home for a one-time visit?
No. House Calls can only provide care in your home if you have established our team as your primary care provider.
“When I first heard about House Calls, I thought it was too good to be true! They provide routine appointments for my Mom right in her home so she doesn’t have to go to the clinic, which was very stressful for her at times. It’s been so easy, and has freed us from stress and worry, too.”
‐ Margaret Jackson, daughter of a House Calls patient