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As fewer physicians perform home visits, number of visits increases

Between 2006 and 2011, the number of physicians making home visits decreased; however, during the same time period, the number of home visits made by physicians increased, according to recently published data.

Researchers analyzed data from Medicare Part B claims to assess trends in home visits and domiciliary care visits performed by direct patient care physicians (n = 22,186).

A 6.9% increase was seen in the total number of home visits made by physicians between 2006 and 2011. However, the number of physicians making home visits decreased by 11.7%, during the same time period.

There was a 30% increase in the number of domiciliary care visits between 2006 and 2011, according to the researchers. The number of physicians providing these visits increased slightly, up from 2% in 2006 to 2.3% in 2011.

In 2006, general internists were most likely to perform home or domiciliary care visits, whereas family physicians were most likely to perform the visits in 2011, according to the researchers.

Physicians who were older, lived in rural areas or who specialized in primary care were more likely to perform home visits, according to the researchers.

The researchers noted that previous research has found that significant decreases in health care costs have been seen due to home visit programs designed for frail patients with multiple conditions and high costs, as well as better patient/family/physician relationships.

“Policies such as the Independence at Home Demonstration showed cost savings with improved quality metrics, and it is clear that societal need for this model of care is increasing. Educating the upcoming generation of physicians to make or lead home visits and supporting physicians who provide this service will likely benefit both our patients and the health care system overall,” the researchers concluded. – by Casey Hower

Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.