What is the Referral Process for Hospice Care

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Last Updated on November 11, 2021 by Frank Davis

Hospice relies on the referral process for appropriate care. In order to be eligible for hospice, a person must have a life expectancy of six months or less. In order to be referred, individuals must have been receiving regular medical treatment from a qualified physician who has determined that they will benefit from receiving hospice care. Someone living with an incurable life-limiting condition can also self-refer for hospice.

This article will go over the referral process of what it takes to be eligible and also discuss some facts about hospice in general.

What is the process of hospice referral?

First, the client must see their primary care physician. The physician will provide them with information about hospice. The physician will also run some tests to determine things about the individual’s health. The physician then must give a diagnosis that there is no hope for their recovery and that they only have a life expectancy of six months or less. Sometimes, the diagnosis will be terminal. The physician may also have some other type of new tests as well as a physical or some other examination. If the physician is able to determine this with this examination, then the person will receive a referral from the primary care physician.

Secondly, the the primary care physician or patient can contact the hospice provider and ask inquire about what services they offer. After getting information the hospice provider normally sets up an appointment provide an assessment at home. This is when they get to get to know your loved one and what their needs are. They will go over any symptoms and provide an assessment. They also offer a consultation with other medical personnel who may recommend anything from physical therapy to a specialist if the patient has a decline in their physical or mental well-being.

Thirdly, if they have accepted hospice offer and the care is provided, the patient will be required to sign an agreement which will basically state that they understand and accept all terms and conditions for this care. If any changes occur in the patient’s health and well-being, they will need to let the hospice team know. These changes can be anything from a decline in their physical or mental state to if their financial situation has changed. If a patient does not want to participate in the program, they do have the right to change their mind at any point in time.

What are some facts about hospice?

The number of hospices has grown significantly in the last decade. Many people may not understand what hospice is or even know that it exists. Many people are attracted to the idea that they could get better care for their loved ones at home instead of in a hospital. Hospice services are an alternative to curative treatments for people who have a life expectancy of six months or less. The hospice team has various professionals who work together to provide comprehensive care for patients and their families. The team ensures that patients are comfortable, safe and their needs are met.

The hospice team can include physicians, nurses, social workers, clergy, therapists and volunteers. Curative treatments are stopped when hospice care is initiated. The patient will be given medications to control their symptoms and pain. The team will help the patient and family with their grief and also help them cope with this change in living. They can also assist the family with arranging for funeral arrangements and other end of life care.

The goal of hospice care is to provide relief from suffering and improve the patient’s quality of life. The patient receives the same medications and the same level of treatment they would receive in a hospital or any other type of nursing home. Often, the patient is provided the treatment inside of their own home. The hospice team visits the patient on a regular basis, daily or even more frequently depending on what they need.

Conclusion

The referral process for hospice is very important. Hospice staff will help the terminally-ill patient and their family understand the illness, accept what is happening, come to terms with the reality of terminal illness and help them to transition without extreme pain or suffering. The primary care doctor that they see should be able to give you accurate information about the prognosis and treatment options. This information is essential in order to make an informed decision about what they feel is best.