What happens when you begin the hospice referral process?
While the decision on when to consider hospice care may seem overwhelming, everyone at Keystone Hospice strives to make the hospice referral process as accommodating as possible, anticipating your needs whenever we can and addressing all of your concerns.
The hospice referral process usually starts with a phone call to our office. While hospice care requires a doctor’s order, anyone can make a referral—doctors, nurses, caregivers and the patient themselves often make the initial call. Additionally, family members, friends and neighbors all may make a referral or ask questions about when to consider or how to get hospice care for loved ones.
After the initial call, a Keystone Hospice representative will meet with you or your loved one and family to fully explain our hospice philosophy and services. We will confirm medical eligibility and insurance coverage, as well as verify patient and family preferences for palliative/hospice care. If hospice care is determined to be the appropriate kind of medical care, paperwork will be completed and services begin—usually within 4 hours of referral.
If you are wondering when to consider or how to get hospice care for yourself or a loved one, or have any questions about hospice care or the hospice referral process, don’t hesitate to call Keystone Hospice at any time.
