What is a typical doctor home visit in Spain?

Imagine that you’ve come down with something, something that makes you feel so bad that the very thought of going to a doctor makes you woozy or gives you a dull headache. Why climb out of bed when the doc can come straight to you?

A doctor home visit, more commonly known in English as a house call, involves a physician or healthcare professional coming to a patient's home to provide medical care. Here are some key points to know about house calls from a medical professional:

Who should consider a home doctor visit in Spain, and what services are available to me?

Doctor house visits are nothing new – in fact, the earliest forms of medical care were provided by traveling professionals prior to hospitals (and this practice helped reduce the number of patients in hospitals later on). Since the pandemic, home visits have been making a comeback.

A home doctor in visit Spain can be particularly beneficial for anyone who may have difficulty traveling to a medical facility, such as the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, or people with disabilities. But this also doesn’t limit the benefit of not leaving your house if you are pregnant, are worried about infection transmission, live too far from the nearest medical facility or are simply feel crummy. Is there anything worse than having to traipse to the doctor when you feel so much better just by laying down?

Depending on the area in which you reside, home visits may offer any or all of the following medical services:

•    Routine check-ups and physical examinations
•    Chronic disease management, such as diabetes or hypertension
•    Post-hospitalization follow-up care
•    Post-delivery follow-up care or newborn care
•    Medication management
•    Minor medical procedures
•    Palliative and hospice care
•    Health education and counseling as a preventative medicine manner

Why should I consider a doctor home visit Spain?

There are several reasons why a house call may be necessary or even preferred. And unlike a telehealth appointment, the doctor will visit you in your living space as opposed to speaking with you over the phone or via videocall.

Firstly, convenience. You do not need to travel, which can be especially advantageous if you have mobility issues, transportation challenges or live far from the nearest specialized facility or hospital.

Comfort may be an important factor to you. Receiving care in the comfort of your own home can reduce anxiety and stress related to care.

Home visits allow doctors to spend more time with patients, thus providing you with more personalized and thorough care. The visit will be conducted in a private setting, respecting patient confidentiality, too.

Infection Control to reduce the risk of exposure to infections that might be present in hospitals or clinics simply by not going in; one-to-one contact could be preferred over one to many.
If you are preparing for a home visit, it’s important for you to have your medical history – including any recent test results or procedures – handy and have a list of all medication you’re taking. Ensure that the environment in which you will be seen is well-lit and comfortable for both you and the medical professional, and jot down your questions and concerns.

Are there any limitations to house calls?

While it sounds ideal to have a doctor call on you in the comfort of your own home, there are a few limitations. Most importantly, a doctor home visit in Spain cannot replace emergency medicine. If you require urgent medical attention or have life-threatening injuries that would constitute a trip to the emergency room, call 112 or go to your nearest hospital.

Further, doctors may not be able to perform certain diagnostic testing that may require specialized equipment. When scheduling, be sure to ask about this and take the answer into consideration when deciding whether or not a home visit is the best route. You may also find that not all doctors offer home visits, or that you are not eligible for them. Consult with your insurance provider. 

Does my insurance cover a doctor home visit in Spain?

If you are in the Spanish social security regiment, ask your nearest ambulatorio about the possibility of home visits. You may find that this service is reserved for only emergencies or in special cases.

Caser Expat Insurance’s coverage for house calls

A leader in insurance and medical care for expats, Caser Expat Insurance allows you to receive a doctor home medical visit by either a GP, family doctor or nurse in the event that you cannot travel to your nearest clinic. To do so, you must receive a prescription from the specialist within Caser’s extensive network of medical professionals.  

How to Arrange a Home Visit

1. Contact Your Doctor: Some primary care physicians offer house calls. Check if your doctor provides this service.

2. Home Visit Services: There are specialized services and companies that provide home visits by doctors and other healthcare professionals.

3. Insurance: Verify with your health insurance provider if home visits are covered under your plan. If you have a policy with Caser, log on to the Client Services portal or your APP Caser or Caser Salud to schedule. You can also call +34 910 551 661 to speak to a representative. 

The cost of the visit – which is likely to be added to your next month’s billing cycle – will depend on the specialty you need and whether or not you require special materials or medication during the visit. Consult your plan to see how much a home visit may run or if there are any additional benefits, such as a yearly wellness check.

What to expect if you have a house call

• Scheduling: Appointments are typically scheduled in advance, though some services might offer same-day visits in the case of emerging illness.
  
  
• Duration: Visits may take longer than typical office appointments due to the thorough nature of home assessments.
  
  
• Examinations and Tests: The doctor may bring medical equipment necessary for examinations and may also carry portable diagnostic tools for tests such as EKGs or blood work. You will also be asked about your medical history and what medication you are taking. Depending on the nature of the visit, there may be additional safety or hospice evaluations.

The Takeaway

Doctor home visits  in Spain provide a valuable service for patients who need or prefer medical care in their homes. They offer numerous benefits, including convenience, personalized care, and reduced exposure to infections. Always check with your healthcare provider and insurance company to understand the availability and coverage of home visits in your area.