About the Home Based Primary Care Programs

Do you know of a veteran who is homebound and not receiving medical care? Did you know that the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System has offered primary care in the home ('house calls') for over 20 years for homebound veterans in the New York City area?

What does the VA Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) offer?

HBPC offers primary health care in the home. A team of VA HBPC providers (including Nurse Practitioners, RN's, Social Workers, Psychologists, Rehabilitation Therapists and Dietitians) visit the veteran and caregiver in the home. Services include complete history and physical exam, laboratory tests, EKG, home oxygen monitoring, ongoing medical care, educating the veteran and the caregiver about diet, exercise, medications, and community resources; cognitive assessments, supportive counseling and palliative care, when indicated. The VA pharmacy provides medications (mailed to the home) and supplies. Home equipment and adaptive devices may also be ordered to support the veteran's independence in the home. The goals of VA HBPC are to assist the veteran and caregiver to avoid hospitalizations and to prevent premature nursing home placement.

Who may be eligible for VA health care?

Veterans who have served honorably in the service may establish eligibility for VA services at any VA medical center. Information that is needed includes the veteran's discharge papers (DD-214), proof of income, Social Security number and any health insurance cards. If you need further information, call the VA Health Benefits Service Center, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00am and 8:00pm (EST) at 877-222-VETS (8387). At the Brooklyn Campus, call 718-836-6600, and ask for Eligibility. At the Manhattan Campus, call 212-686-7500.

Who may be eligible for VA Home Based Primary Care?

• Veterans residing in the geographic area served by the HBPC teams: all of Brooklyn, Staten Island, Manhattan, Queens and parts of the Bronx and Nassau county.
• Veterans who are homebound and/or bed bound and cannot access medical care in the outpatient setting.
• Veterans who have a caregiver, a friend or family member who is willing and able to share responsibility for the care in the home.
• Veterans who are willing to accept their primary medical care through the VA HBPC.

What services are not provided by VA HBPC?

High tech home care (intravenous therapy, for example), daily home visiting, physical therapy, personal care workers or home health aides. However, the HBPC social worker can help the veteran to apply for Medicaid or other resources to obtain a home health aide or other needed services.