By the end of 2025, Taiwan will officially enter a "super-aged society," meaning more people will require home-based medical care services. Also known as domiciliary medical care, this service involves a medical team visiting patients at home to provide healthcare. It is designed for individuals with disabilities, critically ill patients, and those in palliative care.
Who qualifies for home-based medical care? What services are included? How do you apply? What are the costs? Here's everything you need to know.
📌 Who Qualifies for Home-Based Medical Care?
Dr. Hui-Ling Kuo, a geriatric specialist at Cathay General Hospital, states that home-based medical care primarily serves the following three types of patients:
✅ General Home Medical Care: Patients with mobility difficulties due to disabilities or illnesses, evaluated by a physician using the Barthel Index with a score below 60.
✅ Advanced Home Medical Care: Patients with severely impaired physical functions, requiring prolonged bed rest or being confined to a chair.
✅ Palliative Care: Patients with terminal cancer, end-stage diseases, or motor neuron diseases (such as ALS) who are in the final stages of their condition.
📌 Note: While the Barthel Index is used as a reference, patients do not need to obtain the assessment themselves. A physician’s evaluation is sufficient.
Home-based medical care primarily focuses on chronic disease management. (Image provided by Heho Health)
📌 What Services Are Included in Home-Based Medical Care?
Home-based medical care primarily focuses on chronic disease management, offering nine key services:
1️⃣ Physician home visits
2️⃣ Traditional Chinese medicine practitioner visits
3️⃣ Nurse visits
4️⃣ Respiratory therapist visits
5️⃣ Pharmacist visits
6️⃣ Psychological or social worker visits
7️⃣ Prescription medication delivery (no need to visit a pharmacy)
8️⃣ Case health management (monitoring and guidance)
9️⃣ 24-hour telephone consultations
📌 Advantages: Physicians and nurses provide direct in-home care, reducing the need for hospital visits, minimizing infection risks, and ensuring comprehensive healthcare.
📌 How to Apply for Home-Based Medical Care?
Individuals in need can visit the National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) website under the Ministry of Health and Welfare to search for contracted medical institutions offering integrated home healthcare services in their area and contact them for application.
📌 What Are the Costs for Home-Based Medical Care?
Costs primarily cover five major categories:
1️⃣ Physician visit fee – Charged based on National Health Insurance (NHI) regulations
2️⃣ Nurse visit fees – Charged based on NHI regulations
3️⃣ Medication costs – Charged based on NHI guidelines
4️⃣ Registration fees – Charged according to hospital policies
5️⃣ Transportation costs – Calculated based on the patient’s home location and the travel requirements of medical staff
📌 Reminder: Physician and nurse visit fees, along with medication costs, are typically covered under NHI, but registration and transportation fees vary by institution. It is advisable to confirm details with the medical provider before applying.
If eligible, you can apply for home-based medical care. (Image provided by Heho Health)
📌 Conclusion: Home-Based Medical Care Ensures Quality Healthcare at Home
As Taiwan transitions into a super-aged society, home-based medical care is becoming a crucial healthcare solution. It provides professional in-home care for individuals with limited mobility, chronic illnesses, or terminal conditions, reducing their exposure to external health risks.
For those in need, check the NHIA website for contracted medical providers to ensure your loved ones receive the best possible care at home.
