For nurse practitioner Rob Riepenhoff, conducting in-home visits for UnitedHealthcare members transcends routine clinical duties—it represents a profound commitment to forging relationships that foster healthier, more vibrant lives.

This dedication is especially evident in his ongoing medical engagements with Robert Ford.

Their connection stretches far beyond the typical bounds of a member-provider dynamic. Residing in the same neighborhood, they frequently cross paths outside of Robert's annual HouseCalls appointment, often meeting down the aisles of the local grocery store where Robert earns a living as a butcher. It is common for Rob to pause and offer a warm greeting, usually culminating in a firm handshake or a friendly embrace.

We both get excited to see each other, and I really enjoy visiting with him at his home

These organic, everyday encounters underscore a robust rapport rooted in the individualized attention Rob consistently delivers.

It’s just nice to see Rob. It’s like an old pal showed up, you know. He’s somebody who I really appreciate.

Understanding the HouseCalls Framework and Data

HouseCalls operates as an annual in-home evaluation accessible at no extra charge to the vast majority of UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage beneficiaries. This clinical touchpoint acts as a bridge, keeping participants closely aligned with preventive care milestones between standard physician appointments. The evaluation encompasses a comprehensive physical examination alongside dedicated time for the member to voice health concerns, enabling the nurse practitioner to offer tailored wellness education.

Upon concluding the session, a complete clinical summary—inclusive of vital signs, diagnoses, and targeted recommendations—is dispatched directly to the primary care provider (PCP). Concurrently, the beneficiary receives an Ask Your PCP document outlining strategic discussion points designed to facilitate productive future dialogues with their primary doctor.

A standout attribute of the HouseCalls initiative is the expanded duration of each interaction. While standard clinical appointments with a PCP generally span roughly 15 minutes, a HouseCalls evaluation frequently lasts up to an hour. This extended timeframe grants clinicians like Rob the luxury of delving into deep, meaningful discussions regarding every dimension of a member's health status.

When we go to their house, we’re spending an extraordinary amount of time with that person. We go over all their medications with them. A lot of the times, they don’t know why they’re on the medications that they’re on, so I get to explain to them.

He was able to take his time and allow me to say some of the things I don’t get to say to my doctor

Furthermore, empirical evidence suggests that HouseCalls evaluations effectively realign participants with essential health trajectories:

  • 86% of older adults completed an in-office clinical visit within a 90-day window following a HouseCalls evaluation.
  • Beneficiaries who completed a HouseCalls visit demonstrated a 2% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events.
  • Participants diagnosed with one of four prevalent conditions associated with elevated morbidity and healthcare utilization recorded 5.2% fewer inpatient hospital stays post-HouseCalls visit.

The Real-World Impact on Member Well-Being

For Robert, these home-based assessments have proven invaluable for clinical coordination and sustained wellness. Having successfully triumphed over lung cancer, he maintains a heightened mindfulness regarding his physical condition, driven by a desire to remain active within his neighborhood and present for his children and grandchildren.

It gave me a piece of reassurance instead of me just surviving. It kind of made me want to thrive.

The HouseCalls program—bolstered by his enduring bond with Rob—has transformed that aspiration into a tangible reality.

Having Rob and HouseCalls, it kind of settles my nerves. It’s a good feeling. It’s reassuring to have somebody on your team that’s on your side, you know.

UnitedHealthcare internal data, March 2026. In-home visits and subsequent health outcomes in Medicare Advantage beneficiaries with coronary artery disease, diabetes, hypertension, and depression, Medical Care.