According to certain opinions this is a biblical mitzvah based upon the verse "vehalachta bedrachav - and you shall walk in His ways" (Devorim 28:9). According to others (including the Rambam' this is a rabbinical mitzvah. Yet others maintain that this is a mitzvah which is Halacha LeMoshe Misinai (a law that was handed down to Moshe on Sinai). Yet, the Rambam'also states that the mitzvah of Bikur Cholim is also an aspect of the mitzvah of VeHoavta lerei'acha komocho -- you shall love your fellow as yourself.

There is no limit to the amount of times or level that one can fulfill this mitzvah, provided one does not become too bothersome or the sick person. Ofttimes a short visit is preferable. One needs to take the status and the desires of the sick into considerations.

The mitzvah of visiting the sick is applicable to both men and women at all times and places.

One should not limit one's visits just to one who is older and/or greater than he is. One needs to visit even those younger than him or not as great as he is.

No brocho is said when performing the mitzvah of bikur cholim. [Many reasons are offered as to why not, ve'ain kan hamokom].
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