Admission to hospice is voluntary. The process is started by your inquiry or a referral from your physician which you or your family can request. After your inquiry or a referral is received, you will be contacted promptly to schedule a visit to discuss your needs and to answer any questions you may have. If you choose to elect hospice services, you must sign a consent form. You can withdraw from hospice care at any time by signing a revocation form.
Your actual admission will be completed by a registered nurse, who will perform a complete medical assessment, confer with the hospice physician, and arrange for delivery of your medications and supplies.
A dedicated team of professionals will oversee and coordinate your care. Members of the team will begin visits to become familiar with your situation and to establish a care plan with you. Your team will work in close coordination with you—and each other—to meet your needs.
We will also provide you a phone number to call whenever a problem develops. You will be able to reach your hospice team during normal business hours; after hours, your call will be answered by a registered nurse, who will forward your concern to the on-call team.
Can I still see my own doctor?
Yes. We will coordinate your care with whomever you designate as your primary physician.
Hospice patients are admitted for a specific diagnosis. Treatment for other, unrelated conditions may continue as before, following your wishes and medical necessity. For example, if you are receiving hospice care for a cancer diagnosis, you might still be continuing dialysis. In this example, the dialysis treatment is not covered by hospice, but is covered through your primary insurance.