UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT
                     Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The
                         Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported):               May 1, 2003

                             HEALTH CARE REIT, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                DELAWARE                  1-8923              34-1096634
    (State or other jurisdiction of    (Commission File    (I.R.S. Employer
     incorporation or organization)         Number)      Identification Number)

 One SeaGate, Suite 1500, Toledo, Ohio                           43604
(Address of principal executive office)                        (Zip Code)

                                 (419) 247-2800
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

      ITEM 12. DISCLOSURE OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

On May 1, 2003, Health Care REIT, Inc. issued a press release that announced
operating results of its first quarter ended March 31, 2003. The press release
is posted on the Company's website (www.hcreit.com) under the heading Press
Releases. A copy of the press release has been furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this
Current Report.




SCHEDULE IV - CONTINUED

                                    SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
the Registrant had duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                             HEALTH CARE REIT, INC.

                                             By:  /s/ GEORGE L. CHAPMAN
                                                 -----------------------------
                                             George L. Chapman

Its:  Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

Dated:  May 1, 2003

                                  EXHIBIT INDEX

                          DESIGNATION
                         NUMBER UNDER
EXHIBIT NO.       ITEM 601 OF REGULATION S-K              DESCRIPTION
-----------       --------------------------              -----------
   99.1                       99               Press release dated May 1, 2003