Heart of the Matter: a HouseCalls visit is life-changing for Jack

Heather Davis is a nurse practitioner in Alabama who visits Medicare Advantage members in their homes as part of the HouseCalls program. The visits are a chance to meet members where they are and provide compassionate, well-rounded care.

The day Heather first met Jack at his remote home is one she’ll never forget. While her visit was originally schedule for routine care, she quickly discovered that something more serious was happening. Jack had dangerously high blood pressure. Heather strongly recommended that he go to the emergency room. Soon after, she learned Jack had a stent placed in his heart, which helped prevent a massive heart attack.

When a nurse practitioner like Heather visits a UnitedHealthcare member’s home, the visit is considered a complement to the member’s care team. HouseCalls practitioners notify primary care providers (PCP) after their visit to report details they note about the member's health.

The HouseCalls practitioner takes the time to answer questions that a member might have, as well as helping to make sure their needs are met. This includes social determinants of health — things like food, transportationand adequate housing. These are factors that have been shown to impact 80% of health outcomes.

"When we spend time in members' homes, we find the things that don't come up in the clinic but will absolutely affect their ability to stay healthy and manage a chronic condition,” says Dr. Alexander Billioux, chief medical officer, UnitedHealthcare Government Programs.

A HouseCalls visit can be a first step in improving outcomes for members. For Heather, being able to help members live healthier lives means the world to her.

“What we do sets the ball rolling not only in that visit,” Heather said, “but it empowers them and encourages them with steps to be healthy.”

And Heather’s routine house call to Jack’s remote residence ultimately resulted in a discovery that helped save his life.  ​

Find out more about a HouseCalls visit.