Introduction to Hospice Care
Generally, when treatment focus shifts to comfort care, it is time for a hospice referral. The more time a patient can receive hospice care, the more benefit they and their family will receive.
The First Steps of Hospice
The first step is to determine if hospice care is appropriate at this stage in the illness. In order to qualify for hospice care, you or your loved one must be facing a life-limiting illness with a life expectancy of six months or less. Hospice is more than just treatment for those facing a terminal illness. It’s a philosophy of care.
Criteria for Hospice Care Eligibility
Generally speaking, the following criteria must be met in order for someone to qualify for hospice: The patient must have a terminal illness or condition with a life expectancy of six months or less.
Hospice Eligibility Under Medicare
Hospice eligibility under Medicare requires that an individual is entitled to Medicare Part A and a doctor determines life expectancy is six months or less, if the terminal illness runs its normal course.
Determining Prognosis for Hospice Care
One of the primary criteria for hospice care is a prognosis of six months or less if the illness runs its typical course. This means that the patient’s healthcare provider believes that the disease has advanced to a point where curative treatment is no longer effective.