Do nursing homes have their own doctors on staff?

The availability of on-site doctors at nursing homes varies depending on the size and type of facility. While some larger facilities may employ their own physicians or have visiting doctors, it's more common for nursing homes to rely on visiting physicians from the community to provide medical care to their residents.

Nursing homes typically contract with local medical practices or healthcare systems to provide medical services, including regular visits from a primary care physician or a geriatrician. These doctors are responsible for assessing and treating residents' medical conditions, monitoring their overall health, and coordinating their care.

In smaller nursing homes or those in rural areas, doctors may visit on a part-time or rotating basis, while larger facilities may have full-time physicians on staff. Nursing homes also collaborate with other healthcare professionals such as nurses, social workers, and therapists to provide comprehensive care to their residents.

It's important for nursing home residents and their families to understand the availability of on-site medical services before choosing a facility. If a nursing home does not have its own doctors on staff, they should have arrangements in place to ensure residents have access to regular and timely medical care.