Clinical Opportunity
Aged Care and Chronic Care Home Visits: What GPs Should Know
Older and chronically ill patients are where home visits can matter most. Here is what the data say.
The AIHW reports that falls among people aged 65 and over led to 133,000 hospitalisations in 2019-20, with one in two occurring in the home. The RACGP's standards recognise home visits for patients confined by illness or disability. C.A.L.L.S books every visit as 30 minutes (how it works).
Falls and the home environment
The AIHW's report on falls in older Australians found 133,000 hospitalisations among people aged 65 and over in 2019-20, with half of falls hospitalisations occurring in the home and half involving a fracture. A visit at home lets you see the environment directly.
Home visits in the standards
The RACGP's Standards for general practices recognise that patients can access home and other visits when safe and reasonable, such as when confined by illness or disability.
Longer visits
A 30-minute slot leaves time for history, examination and review (source: C.A.L.L.S how it works). Our pages on elderly patients and chronic and post-surgical care cite further sources.
Continuity
The Premium plan includes a patient panel for repeat bookings (source: pricing).
Join C.A.L.L.S
Care for the patients who need you most.
Join C.A.L.L.S and build a home visit practice around continuity.
Join C.A.L.L.S and run your own GP home visit practiceFrequently asked questions
Why are home visits relevant to falls?
The AIHW found half of falls hospitalisations among older Australians occurred in the home (AIHW).
Do the standards recognise home visits?
Yes, when safe and reasonable. See the RACGP standards.
Can I build a regular patient panel?
The Premium plan includes a patient panel (pricing).
Do I need special training?
You must work within your scope and experience and hold current registration and indemnity.