VA NY Harbor Healthcare System

 

About the Programs

Do you know of a homebound Veteran 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, RNs, social workers, rehabilitation therapists and dietitians) visit the Veteran and caregiver in the home. Services include complete history and physical exam, laboratory tests, home oxygen monitoring, ongoing medical care, educating the Veteran and the caregiver about diet, exercise, medications, and community resources; 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 Healthcare?

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 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (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 Manhattan, Staten Island, 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.

I know of a homebound Veteran with a caregiver who is interested in learning more about VA Home Based Primary Care. How do I access this VA service?

First, the Veteran or his or her family should establish VA eligibility. Contact the VA medical center or VA community based clinic nearest the Veteran and speak with a VA social worker about HBPC. You can also contact the HBPC offices directly as follows:

Brooklyn Campus (Brooklyn & Staten Island), (718) 630-3730, Kathleen Douris, GNP, HBPC program manager, or Katherine Chambers, GNP

St. Albans Campus (part of Queens & Nassau County), (718) 298-8510, Denise Cooper, MSW, or Frances Duffy, GNP

Manhattan Campus (Manhattan, Queens, Manhattan & part of the Bronx), (212) 951-3208
Linda Schwarzmann, LCSW, (212) 686-7500 x3988