Care at home
Homebulance
Urgent, non-emergency care — the doctor comes to you
When something can't wait for a scheduled appointment but isn't a 911 emergency, Homebulance sends a fully equipped vehicle, staffed by a licensed physician, straight to your home. Call (212) 888-2222 and press 2 — Dial 2® — to reach the team.
- Where
- At your home, anywhere in NYC
- When
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Request
- Call and press 2
Dial 2®
Call (212) 888-2222 and press 2 to request Homebulance, 24/7.
At a glance
What to know before you start.
- 01
Who it's for
Patients with an urgent but non-life-threatening problem who can't easily or safely get to an office or urgent care center.
- 02
Where care happens
In your home, apartment, or residence in any of the five boroughs. The physician brings diagnostic and treatment equipment with them.
- 03
Coverage
Visits are generally billed as physician home visits. We confirm your insurance and any costs when you call.
- 04
How to start
Call (212) 888-2222 and press 2. Our team asks a few questions to make sure Homebulance — not 911 — is the right call.
Who qualifies
Is this right for you?
Homebulance is designed for urgent needs that are real, but not emergencies. It may be a good fit when:
Whether a service is right for you is a clinical decision you make together with your physician.
- A new symptom, flare-up, or worsening chronic condition needs a physician today
- Getting to an urgent care center would be difficult, exhausting, or unsafe
- The patient is elderly, frail, disabled, or recovering from a hospital stay
- A caregiver or family member needs a physician to assess what they are seeing
- You want to avoid an emergency-room visit for a problem that can be managed at home
Homebulance is not an ambulance and does not transport patients to the hospital. For chest pain, trouble breathing, stroke symptoms, severe bleeding, a serious injury, or loss of consciousness, call 911 immediately.
What's included
What a Homebulance visit can include
Your physician arrives prepared to examine, diagnose, and begin treatment on the spot.
Physician examination
A full assessment of the urgent concern, vital signs, and how the patient is doing overall.
On-board equipment
The vehicle carries diagnostic and treatment equipment so care can start during the visit.
Prescriptions & orders
Prescriptions sent to your pharmacy, and lab or imaging orders when they are needed.
Follow-up & coordination
A plan for what comes next, shared with your primary care physician and caregivers.
Getting started
What happens at your first visit.
- 1
Call and press 2
Tell us who needs care, where they are, and what is going on. We will ask about symptoms to rule out an emergency.
- 2
We dispatch the physician
If Homebulance is appropriate, we confirm the address, insurance, and an arrival window.
- 3
Care at your door
The physician examines the patient, starts treatment, and explains the plan to you and your family.
- 4
Follow-up
We coordinate prescriptions, tests, and any follow-up visits — at home or in the office.
At home or in the office
Care where it works best for you.
Homebulance at home
- No travel for a patient who is unwell
- Physician sees the home setting and medications
- Available around the clock
- Caregivers can be present and ask questions
Urgent visit in the office
- Walk-in and urgent visits 5–9 PM daily
- Best for patients who can travel comfortably
- Access to in-office testing and vaccines
- Often the quickest option if you are nearby
Insurance & coverage
What your plan may cover.
Homebulance visits are billed as physician home visits. Medicare Part B, many Medicaid plans, and many commercial plans cover medically necessary physician visits at home, though deductibles, copays, or coinsurance may apply.
Because plans differ, we review your insurance when you call and tell you about any expected costs before the physician is dispatched.
We accept most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, and nobody is turned down. Call (212) 888-2222 and we'll check your benefits.
Is Homebulance an ambulance?
No. Homebulance brings a physician to you — it does not transport patients to a hospital. If someone is having a medical emergency, call 911.
How is Homebulance different from a regular house call?
A scheduled house call is part of ongoing care for patients who are homebound. Homebulance is for urgent, same-day needs, and is available around the clock.
What is Dial 2®?
Dial 2® is how you reach our home-visit team: call (212) 888-2222 and press 2. It is the fastest way to request Homebulance or a house call.
Can a family member request a visit for a parent?
Yes. Many requests come from adult children, spouses, aides, and care managers. We will ask about the patient's condition, medications, and address.
Which areas do you serve?
Homebulance serves all five boroughs of New York City: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
What if the physician decides the patient needs the hospital?
The physician will explain why, help arrange emergency care, and share information with the hospital team so care continues smoothly.
Related services
House Calls · MD2Home®
Physician visits at home for patients who are homebound or can't easily travel.
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Infusion Therapy
Physician-ordered IV treatments in our office or in the comfort of home.
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Chronic Care Management (CCM)
A personal care plan and monthly check-ins for two or more chronic conditions.
Learn more
Dr.NYC Health + Systems®
Your doctor, in the office or at your door.
Most plans accepted. Nobody is turned down. Everybody is seen.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency — chest pain, severe shortness of breath, stroke symptoms, uncontrolled bleeding or severe injury — call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.