Hospice Care Overview
Hospice care focuses on managing symptoms and providing comfort rather than trying to cure an underlying disease. When hospice is called in, a patient has been determined to have a terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less to live. IV fluids are typically not provided, as the aim is not to prolong life but to manage symptoms. The hospice makes a contract to utilize hospital beds on an as-needed basis. Hospice staff are required to train hospital personnel who will provide care. Hospice has no star rating under CMS. The Palliative Performance Scale helps determine patient status.
FAQs in Hospice Care
What does "Mac" Mean in Hospice?
Hospice care focuses on managing symptoms and providing comfort. When hospice is called in, a patient has a terminal illness with six months or less to live. IV fluids are typically not provided. The aim is to manage symptoms, not prolong life. The hospice makes a contract to use hospital beds as needed. Staff must train hospital personnel. Hospice has no CMS star rating. The Scale helps determine status.
End of Life Abbreviation
Hospice care aims to manage symptoms and provide comfort. A patient with a prognosis of six months or less has a terminal illness. Typically IV fluids are not given as the goal is not prolonging life but managing symptoms. The hospice contracts to use hospital beds when needed. Staff must train hospital personnel who will provide care. Hospice has no CMS star rating. The Scale helps determine status.