It is a concept based on comfort-oriented care. Referral into hospice is a movement into another mode of therapy, which may be more appropriate for terminal care. Families should be isolated from a dying patient.
Hospice care is more expensive.
Studies have shown hospice care to be no more costly. Frequently it is less expensive than conventional care during the last six months of life. You can't keep you own doctor if you enter hospice. Hospice physicians work closely with your doctor of choice to determine a plan of care.