{"id":7305,"date":"2023-12-05T06:48:53","date_gmt":"2023-12-05T06:48:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/?p=7305"},"modified":"2024-09-21T10:28:14","modified_gmt":"2024-09-21T10:28:14","slug":"is-physician-referral-required-for-hospice-care-in-philadelphia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/matrixbricks.us\/suncrest\/is-physician-referral-required-for-hospice-care-in-philadelphia\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Physician Referral Required for Hospice Care in Philadelphia?"},"content":{"rendered":"

When curative therapies are considered futile or the burden of treatment exceeds the advantages, hospice care has a great deal to offer. Philadelphia patients receive the support they need to manage their symptoms at home, and services benefit their loved ones, too, ensuring they have the resources to cope.<\/span><\/p>\n

But is a referral from a physician required for<\/span> hospice care<\/span><\/a>?<\/span><\/p>\n

Yes and no. While services cannot begin until a doctor certifies that a patient is eligible, there is no need to wait for a physician to raise the possibility of hospice care. Anyone can make the initial call to a Philadelphia hospice agency, as the staff can facilitate the referral process. Keep reading to learn more.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"hospiceThe Right Time for Hospice Care<\/h2>\n

Many doctors <\/span>may <\/span>overestimate the life expectancy of their patients. Even oncologists, palliative care physicians and medical specialists who routinely care for incurably ill individuals find it difficult to accurately predict survival time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Research through the University of Chicago Medical Center illustrates this point. In the study, 343 physicians were asked to estimate the prognosis of 468 terminally ill patients at the time of hospice care referral. Only 20 percent came close to the mark \u2013 and 63 percent of the predictions were overly optimistic.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why does this matter?<\/span><\/p>\n

Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans cover hospice care for individuals with a medical prognosis of six months or less, assuming their disease runs the normal course. Patients are eligible to receive services for two benefit periods, each lasting 90 days. After that, those who continue to meet the criteria can continue to receive the care they need for an unlimited number of 60-day periods.<\/span><\/p>\n

Time in hospice care doesn\u2019t have to be short, but that\u2019s the reality for many patients. According to a report from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), 75 percent of those enrolled received services for 87 days or less \u2013 and half were only in hospice for no more than 18 days.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clearly, most people aren\u2019t fully benefiting from the services available. As doctors have trouble accurately predicting the right time for hospice care, others might need to step in and make the call.<\/span><\/p>\n

Who Can Make a Hospice Referral?<\/h2>\n

As the end of life draws near, doctors do initiate hospice referrals. But like we said above, anyone can refer a patient \u2013 and in many cases, a physician isn\u2019t the person suggesting hospice care. Quite often, the referring individuals fall into one of the following categories:<\/span><\/p>\n

Other Professionals<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

Along with doctors, others who work in health care also refer patients to hospice when they see the need or believe services would be beneficial. For instance, nurses and home health aides may recognize signs of deterioration in a patient before a physician.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes, the person suggesting hospice care is a professional in a different field. Social workers, clergy members, patient advocates, housekeepers and residential facility staff are among those who make hospice referrals.<\/span><\/p>\n

Friends and Family<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

People who are close to a terminally ill individual are frequently the first to notice symptoms of decline. At that point, they can make a referral for hospice services \u2013 however, everyone involved, including the patient, should have a conversation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Friends and family members have the best intentions, but a hospice referral for a loved one should only be made with their consent. If the patient says no, sharing information may be helpful. Upon learning about the benefits, their decision may change.<\/span><\/p>\n

When to Consider a Hospice Referral<\/h2>\n

If a loved one has a terminal illness, discussing the option of hospice care early on \u2013 before services are needed \u2013 can be beneficial. Having everyone on the same page should help with the decision-making at the final stages.<\/span><\/p>\n

As for when to make a hospice referral, that depends on when your loved one starts to decline in health. If any of the following is true, it may be time to make the call:<\/span><\/p>\n