This service is available when symptoms are out of control and need a highly skilled approach to regain a level of comfort for the client. Inpatient care is provided in contracted facilities only. No homebound requirement. The Medicare Hospice benefit does not include a 24-hour caregiver. As physicians, most of our training has been in the hospital, high tech setting.
Hospice works best when the referral is made early in the dying process.
Because of reluctance to refer, we oftentimes see very short lengths of stay. The median length of stay in a Hospice program is 14 days. Many patients are admitted to a Hospice program in a crisis situation within 1-2 days of death. Physicians should advocate for patients and families and improve access to palliative care and Hospice.