Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a patient of House calls of Virginia?
Call us at 804-433-4341 so that we can obtain the necessary demographic and insurance information and we will call you back within 24 hours to schedule your initial visit.Can I pick my appointment time?
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide a specific time for the visit due to travel time and the needs of each patient seen that day. We will do our best to arrange a "time frame" that works best for you on your scheduled visit day.Are there any additional fees like a trip charge or membership fee to see me in my home?
There are ZERO additional fees of any kind for you to be our patient and to see you.After I become a patient, how often will you see me?
As a patient of House Calls we require you to be seen at a minimum every 90 days so that we can manage your medications & care effectively. However if you become ill or need to see a medical staff member before then we will be happy to schedule visits as the need arises.*We ask that you take your medications as prescribed and keep us informed about emergency room visits, hospitalizations and changes in your insurance, telephone number or your address.
How long does it take to schedule an appointment?
Usually your initial visit is scheduled between 24-48 hours after we have obtained your information. In most cases (non urgent) subsequent visits are scheduled within 3-4 days of your call.Do you handle Emergencies?
If you believe you are having a medical emergency please do not waste precious time contacting the doctor's office, instead immediately dial 911! As is the case with any outpatient physician practice, we are not an emergency medical service. When you call us for a visit, sometimes it's difficult to tell over the phone whether or not your problem is a true medical emergency. We do our best to schedule sick visits within 24-48 hours. We may arrange for sick visit by one of our medical staff who will evaluate the problem and make a decision about disposition. Often our highest and best contribution is helping patients avoid unnecessary trips to the ER, but sometimes it's making sure they get there promptly if the problem is a true emergency.What if my family has questions or concerns about my care?
Our medical team will communicate, with your permission, with your children and other family members to give them peace of mind.Can I see the same Practitioner/MD each time?
We like for our staff to know each of our patients so that if a situation arises that you need a sick visit then each member of our medical team is familiar with you. We rotate our staff to accommodate your visits.What are your hours?
Our office is open Mon – Fri, 8:30-5pm. However, we have a 24/7 after hour's number so that our medical staff may address acute or urgent questions that can't wait until our office reopens.What if I need tests, labs or x-rays?
Our medical staff will order lab tests, x-rays, EKGs, or whatever "ancillary" services or procedures that may be required to fully evaluate any medical problem; and you almost never have to leave your home for these to be done! We can even get immediate ("STAT") test and procedure results if required.Do you accept new Medicare patients?
Yes! Please see our insurance section of this website for further details.What types of insurance do you accept?
We accept Medicare/Medicaid and most major insurance. Please see our insurance section of our website for further details.What types of services do you offer?
We are a full service primary care physician's office. Please see our services section of this website for further details.Will you be my doctor in the hospital or rehab facility if I should have to go?
If you require hospitalization, we will work with you & your family to coordinate the stay, but will not follow you while in the hospital. If you go to a nursing home or skilled nursing in a facility there is a chance we can continue to be your doctor at that type of facility. We can coordinate care with the medical staff at the hospital or facility you go to and exchange any pertinent information /records for continuity of care. Our medical team will resume your care once you are discharged from the hospital/facility. We will relay preferences, coordinate care, send records, and even work with discharge planners to transition you back to your home.What if I have a question for my provider and I don't want to schedule a visit?
A call to our office 804-433-4341 immediately connects you to our office nurse who will triage you or your loved ones health care problems and coordinate a plan of care with our medical team. This allows an immediate assessment of acute issues and often times can prevent ER visits or hospitalization. If we need to schedule a visit to further assess your issue we can do so at that time.Will my House calls doctor be my primary doctor?
Yes, if you would like for us to operate as your primary care doctor we will be happy to do so. However, you may keep your primary care physician and all of your specialists. We understand that it can sometimes be a taxing and considerable effort to get to your regular primary care doctor on a regular basis therefore we will coordinate care & exchange information regarding our visits so they are kept abreast of your medical status.After introductions, your practitioner will perform a history and physical examination as well as an evaluation of the home and support system. We will then recommend treatment options that incorporate the full range of issues effecting the health and well-being of the patient.
There are periodic progress visits to "check-in" to determine compliance with the care plan and monitor medical conditions. These visits occur based on the professional judgment of our medical staff, but every 4 to 8 weeks is common.
We also have non emergent sick visits for patients with acute issues. After each visit, once all questions are answered, instructions given, and paperwork completed, your practitioner will depart. If you need medications, written or telephoned prescriptions are always available.
What happens during the visit?
After introductions, your practitioner will perform a history and physical examination as well as an evaluation of the home and support system. We will then recommend treatment options that incorporate the full range of issues effecting the health and well-being of the patient.There are periodic progress visits to "check-in" to determine compliance with the care plan and monitor medical conditions. These visits occur based on the professional judgment of our medical staff, but every 4 to 8 weeks is common.
We also have non emergent sick visits for patients with acute issues. After each visit, once all questions are answered, instructions given, and paperwork completed, your practitioner will depart. If you need medications, written or telephoned prescriptions are always available.