Hospice evaluations are available at no cost. Sometimes the physician makes the referral or provides several options and lets the patient/family decide. The referring physician must certify to the hospice provider that the patient is eligible.
When a referral is made, we make an appointment that day – or on a date convenient – to meet with the patient and family. The admissions nurse evaluates the patient, answers the family’s questions and creates a plan of care that reflects the patient/family’s wishes.
If the discussion goes well and the family is ready to decide, they sign admissions paperwork and the hospice team begins to visit.