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Hospice FAQs for Healthcare Professionals

Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care is here to answer common questions about end-of-life care, to help you navigate the referral process, understand eligibility criteria, and ensure your patients receive the compassionate care they deserve at the end of their lives.

Have more hospice care questions for healthcare professionals? Please contact us now. 

  • What is hospice?
  • What are the signs that a patient might be ready for hospice services?
  • When should a patient be referred to hospice care?
  • What are the eligibility criteria for hospice care?
  • Who pays for hospice? Is it covered by insurance? Medicare? Medicaid?
  • Who is included on a hospice team?
  • Who is Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care?
  • Why should I choose Crossroads?
  • How do I refer a patient to Crossroads?
  • What is hospice?

    Hospice is a specialized form of care for patients with terminal illnesses who are nearing the end of life. It focuses on providing comfort and support rather than curative treatments.

    Hospice care prioritizes quality of life by managing pain and symptoms, offering emotional and spiritual support, and assisting with practical needs for both the patient and their family. Most hospice care occurs at home, allowing the patient to be in a familiar setting, surrounded by loved ones, able to make the most of the time that remains.  

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  • What are the signs that a patient might be ready for hospice services?

    Signs that a patient may be ready for hospice services include a significant decline in physical function, frequent hospitalizations, increased dependence on others for activities of daily living, difficulty managing pain or other symptoms, and significant weight loss. More to the point, if you or another healthcare provider determine the patient has six months or less to live if their condition follows its typical course, the patient can go on hospice.

    Once it’s determined that curative treatments may no longer work or the patient may no longer want to pursue them, the sooner they go on hospice the better. That’s because hospice provides a dedicated team of professionals to tend to their needs and help with their pain and discomfort, thereby improving their quality of life. Delaying their intake into hospice only delays the comfort that could be provided.  

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  • When should a patient be referred to hospice care?

    A patient should be referred to hospice care when curative treatments are no longer effective or desired, and the focus shifts to managing symptoms and improving the quality of life instead of trying to cure the condition. Healthcare professionals should refer patients to hospice when life expectancy is six months or less, if the disease run its expected course. The goal of hospice at that stage is to help the patient and their family make the most of the time that remains. 

    To learn more about the key signs and timing for recommending hospice care, read the article When Should a Doctor Recommend Hospice? 

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  • What are the eligibility criteria for hospice care?

    Eligibility for hospice care is dependent on whether the patient has a terminal condition with a prognosis of six months or less, as certified by a physician. Common factors include:

    • The patient is no longer seeking curative treatment and is focused on comfort care.
    • The patient’s health is steadily declining, and they may be experiencing uncontrolled symptoms or frequent hospitalizations.


    For guidelines on determining eligibility, view this Hospice Eligibility Criteria, initially written for families, but relevant to anyone. 

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  • Who pays for hospice? Is it covered by insurance? Medicare? Medicaid?

    Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. Medicare Part A covers as much as 100% of hospice care costs, including nursing services, medical supplies, medications related to the terminal illness, and emotional and spiritual support. Medicaid provides similar coverage, although coverage varies by state, and most private insurance companies have hospice benefits that cover necessary services.

    For more details on coverage options, view the article Paying for Hospice Care. 

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  • Who is included on a hospice team?

    The hospice team includes a diverse group of professionals dedicated to addressing the medical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients. The team typically consists of:

    • Physicians
    • Registered nurses
    • Hospice aides
    • Social workers
    • Chaplains or spiritual care coordinators
    • Volunteers
    • Bereavement counselors


    Each team member plays a vital role in providing comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to the patient’s needs. 

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  • Who is Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care?

    Crossroads is a national leader and trusted provider of innovative, compassionate hospice and palliative care services. Since our founding in 1995, we have been dedicated to helping patients and families manage serious illnesses and end-of-life care with comfort, support, and dignity. Serving communities across several states, Crossroads is known for its patient-centered approach, offering comprehensive, holistic support during the most challenging times. Learn why so many healthcare professionals refer their patients to Crossroads. 

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  • Why should I choose Crossroads?

    hospice care, allowing us to spend more time with patients than the national average during the last seven days of life, and even including a Watch program that sees our visits increase even further as the end gets closer.  

    Crossroads prides itself on quick response times, offering care within hours of a referral, and tailoring services to meet the individual needs of patients and their families. We also offer unique programs like Gift of a Day and Life Journals. With a focus on comfort, compassion, and holistic support, Crossroads ensures that patients receive the highest quality of care at the end of life.

    Didn’t find your question here? Contact us to get direct answers tailored for your healthcare professional questions. 

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  • How do I refer a patient to Crossroads?

    Need to refer a patient to Crossroads? You can use the secure patient form below to get started. 

     

    Start the patient referral process now.

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