Admissions - Q and A
- What is a referral?
- Who can make a referral?
- Will I be dropped from hospice care after six months?
- Who determines when hospice care begins?
- Will our doctor tell us when hospice care is appropriate?
- How do I prepare my home for hospice care?
- What happens at admission?
- What if we want to stop receiving hospice services?
- Will my insurance cover hospice care?
- Is the home the only place patients can receive hospice care?
- How much will I have to pay for hospice care?
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A referral is a request to meet with Compassionate Hospice's staff in order to learn more about our guidelines and services. It is the opportunity to find out if hospice care is right for the patient.
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Anyone can make a referral, including family, friends or physician.
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No. As long as your condition has not stabilized or improved, your doctor can re-certify you for hospice care, regardless of the rate of decline.
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By law, the patient must choose hospice care. Hospice is an option that should be considered whenever a patient has a life-threatening illness with a diagnosis of six months or less to live. Our staff is available to discuss any concerns with patients, family members and physicians.
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Choosing hospice care is a very personal decision. Patients and family members should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with their physician, other healthcare professionals, clergy or friends. It is important to let your physician know that you are interested in hospice care and not wait for him or her to initiate the topic.
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A Compassionate Hospice nurse will make arrangements so that any needed items such as a hospital bed, wheelchair or oxygen will be delivered to your home. Your nurse will usually deliver smaller supplies such as disposable pads, gloves, and dressings. If you encounter equipment or supply problems, please contact your nurse or Compassionate and we will be happy to make the necessary arrangements.
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During the admissions process the hospice will contact the patient's physician to make sure he/she agrees that hospice care is appropriate. The patient will then be asked to sign consent forms stating that he/she understands that hospice care is palliative, aimed at pain relief and symptom control, rather than curative. The patient will also be asked to fill out insurance forms.
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Patients and family members have the right and privilege to terminate hospice care at any time. Please discuss any changes you wish to make with one of your hospice team members or call our office.
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Most major insurance companies offer a hospice benefit. Families should check with their employer or health insurance provider to be sure of coverage. Medicare and Medicaid also provide hospice coverage on an individual basis.
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No. Hospice care can be given in nursing homes, long term care facilities, a family member's home or anywhere the patient resides.
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Compassionate Hospice accepts all patients meeting our admission criteria. No patient is refused care due to lack of ability to pay for services. Forms of payment include Medicare, Medicaid, health insurance, private payments and grants. Patients with limited resources are billed according to their ability to pay. We are able to help people with limited resources through generous donations that we receive.
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