Understanding the Path to Care

This three-step process involves confirming medical eligibility, selecting a preferred provider, and completing an admission visit to establish a personalized care plan.

This is the first and most critical step. 

A doctor (either the patient's primary physician or a hospice medical director) must certify that the patient has a life-limiting illness with a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its natural course.

Once a patient is eligible, you have the right to choose which hospice provider you want. 

You can ask your doctor for recommendations, get referrals from friends or family, or research local hospice organizations. 

It's a good idea to interview a few providers to find the best fit, asking about their services, staffing, and approach to care.

After selecting a provider, a hospice team member (usually a nurse) will schedule an admission visit. During this visit, they will review the patient's medical history, explain the hospice services in detail, and have the patient or their legal representative sign consent forms. 

The team then works with you to develop a personal plan of care, and care typically begins right away. This includes arranging for any necessary medical equipment, supplies, and medications to be delivered to the patient's home.

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