House Call Expectations

Understanding How House Calls Work

Whole Pediatrics Group | Riverside, California

House calls are a rare privilege. Fewer than 1% of pediatricians offer this service. This guide will help you understand how to request house calls and what to expect.

When to Request a House Call

✓ Appropriate Situations

Newborn follow-ups in the first month of life
Sick child overnight when office is closed but not a true emergency
Multiple sick siblings who shouldn't leave home
Post-procedure checks (circumcision, ear piercing, minor procedures)
Contagious illness better evaluated at home
Convenience when it genuinely works better for your family

✗ NOT Appropriate For

Emergencies (call 911 immediately)
Difficulty breathing or severe respiratory distress
Severe injuries or altered consciousness
Conditions needing hospital care
Last-minute demands ("come right now")
Situations better handled in office (I'll let you know)

How to Request a House Call

Contact me via text, phone call, or patient portal message
Describe the situation and explain why you're requesting a home visit
Provide your address and confirm you're within 15-25 miles of my office
Wait for my response - I'll let you know if a house call is appropriate or if an office visit would be better
If approved, I'll provide an arrival time window (not an exact time)
Be flexible - delays can happen due to other patient needs

Before I Arrive: Your Safety Checklist

Secure ALL pets in a separate room or outside the home
Clear a safe path from the entrance to where your child will be examined
Prepare a clean, well-lit area for the examination
Remove any weapons or unsafe items from the area
Ensure everyone in the home is sober and non-threatening
Have your child ready (undressed to diaper if infant, or in comfortable clothes)

⚠️ CRITICAL: If pets are not secured when I arrive, I cannot enter the home and the visit will be cancelled. You may still be charged for the house call fee. This is non-negotiable for my safety.

What to Expect During the Visit

Arrival window: I'll give you a time range (e.g., "between 2-4pm"), not an exact time
Delays happen: Other patients may have urgent needs that take priority
Limited equipment: I can't perform X-rays, extensive lab work, or hospital-level testing at home
May redirect to ER: If I determine your child needs hospital-level care, I'll send you to the emergency department
Same professional standards: Thorough evaluation just like in-office visits
Time with you: I'll take time to answer questions and provide guidance

What I Can and Can't Do at Home

✓ I Can Do:

Evaluate acute illnesses (fever, respiratory symptoms, vomiting/diarrhea)
Check ears, throat, skin, and lymph nodes
Assess injuries and wounds
Conduct newborn checks and weight checks
Provide follow-up care after procedures
Offer medical guidance and reassurance

✗ I Cannot Do:

Provide emergency care (call 911)
Perform X-rays or imaging
Conduct extensive lab testing
Replace hospital evaluation when needed
Guarantee a diagnosis without proper equipment

Important Reminders

House calls are discretionary - They're not guaranteed, and I determine if they're clinically appropriate
This is a privilege, not an entitlement - Fewer than 1% of pediatricians offer this service
Availability varies - Depends on my schedule, clinical priorities, and other patient needs
Boundaries matter - Repeated violations (unsecured pets, unsafe environments, unreasonable demands) may result in loss of house call privileges
Geographic limits - Available only within 15-25 miles of my office; outside this radius requires additional fees and approval
Fees apply - House call fees vary by membership tier (see your Financial Terms)

Geographic Service Area

Standard radius: 15-25 miles from my office in Riverside
Travel fees: $40 for distances 15-25 miles
Outside radius: Requests beyond 25 miles require additional fees and my approval
Confirm your address before requesting to ensure you're within range

After-Hours House Calls

Available in certain situations when clinically appropriate
Additional fees apply (disclosed before scheduling)
Not guaranteed - Depends on the situation and my availability
For true emergencies: Always call 911, don't wait for a house call