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 6, 2004

                             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 6, 2004, Health Care REIT, Inc. issued a press release that announced
operating results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2004. The press release
is posted on the Company's Web site (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.









                                    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
                                                  Chairman of the Board and
                                                  Chief Executive Officer

Date: May 6, 2004


                                  EXHIBIT INDEX


                      DESIGNATION
                     NUMBER UNDER
EXHIBIT NO.     ITEM 601 OF REGULATION S-K            DESCRIPTION
-----------     --------------------------            -----------
   99.1                    99                   Press release dated May 6, 2004