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Home > Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about AmHeart Hospice
At AmHeart Hospice we believe the best decision is an informed decision. Here are the answers to many of the most frequently asked questions about hospice.
When is it Time to Refer to Hospice?
Referring to Hospice in a timely manner is an important key to the success of providing services. "Death Bed" referrals in which the patient is unable to benefit from all hospice can provide are inappropriate. Many hospice patients are ambulatory and only require occasional assistance at the time they are admitted to the hospice program. According to national statistics, the average length of stay for patients in a hospice program is a little over 50 days. And yet the benefit period is intended to be 6 months. The earlier the hospice team intervenes the more satisfaction is expressed by patients and families. Referring to hospice earlier provides access to the full scope of hospice services available to the patient and family.
The following criteria must be met for a patient to be admitted into a hospice program:
- The patient is diagnosed with a terminal illness The patient's prognosis is limited to six months
- The patient refuses or is not eligible for aggressive care for the terminal illness
- The patient and family agree to participate in the Plan of Care
Although hospice care is most often thought of in conjunction with cancer patients, there are other patients who may benefit, including those who suffer from congestive heart failure, Alzheimer's, AIDS, end-stage liver, heart or lung disease, and other debilitating diseases. Additional diagnoses may include:
- Malignancies
- Neurological Diseases (ALS, MS MD, Parkinson’s)
- General Debility with Multi-System Failure
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or Opportunistic Infections
- End Stage Diabetes (with gangrene)
- End Stage Renal Disease (no dialysis)
- Circulatory System Diseases
- Alzheimer’s / Dementia
- Respiratory System Diseases
Do I need to be in a nursing home or hospital to receive hospice?
Hospice is not a place, but a concept of care. Though most of the hospice care in this country is provided to patients in their homes, hospice care can be provided in nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities or residential facilities). In addition, in-patient care is available to those receiving home care in certain circumstances, or respite care is available when family members need a few days break from caregiving.
Is hospice only for cancer patients?
Though most hospice patients come from cancer-related illnesses, there are many other diagnoses that qualify for hospice care once they reach an end-stage prognosis (life expectancy of 6 months or less). Among those are:
- Malignancies
- Neurological Diseases (ALS, MS MD, Parkinson’s)
- General Debility with Multi-System Failure
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or Opportunistic Infections
- End Stage Diabetes (with gangrene)
- End Stage Renal Disease (no dialysis)
- Circulatory System Diseases
- Alzheimer’s / Dementia
- Respiratory System Diseases
Insurance coverage for hospice is available through Medicare and in 80% of states in the U.S. under Medicaid. In addition, most private insurance plans, HMOs, and other managed care organizations include hospice care as a benefit.
What if I can't stay in my own home any longer?
Hospice is not a place, but a concept of care. Though most of the hospice care in this country is provided to patients in their homes, hospice care can be provided in nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities or residential facilities). In addition, in-patient care is available to those receiving home care in certain circumstances, or respite care is available when family members need a few days break from caregiving.
Who makes the referral to hospice?
Referrals come from physicians, nursing homes, clinical social workers, a family member, or member of the clergy or a social worker. Or it might come from you.
Though it is your right to determine whether or not you want hospice and which program is best for you, a physician must certify that your condition meets hospice admission criteria.
Services are designed for terminally ill individuals with a life expectancy of six months or less. However, if you live beyond the initial six months, you can continue receiving hospice care as long as the attending physician recertifies that you are terminally ill. Hospice services are still covered as long as you meet hospice criteria of having a terminal prognosis, and are recertified with a limited life expectancy of six months or less.
Will I still see my regular physician?
The primary care physician can still see you. Attending physicians are encouraged to continue following their patients and to take an active role. Your primary care physician can continue to play a large part in your care.
What if I don't need hospice any more?
You never lose the right to reinstate traditional care. If your condition improves or the disease goes into remission, you can be discharged from a hospice and return to aggressive, curative measures, with Medicare benefits appropriate to that decision. If you should wish to return to hospice care later, Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance companies and HMOs will allow readmission.
Is hospice only for people who can't leave home?
Going on hospice doesn't mean staying at home permanently. We encourage you to enjoy every life activity you are capable of. We want you and your family to continue to enjoy life together.
Choose the Missouri AmHeart Hospice Location nearest you:
St. Louis - Troy - Farmington