Don t Delay Hospice Care Referrals

Transcription

1 Don t Delay Hospice Care Referrals Timely hospice admissions provide greater benefits.

2 Among the Medicare population, about nine out of 10 deaths are associated with chronic illnesses, such as cancer, heart failure or Alzheimer s disease. 1 Yet, according to 2012 statistics, the median length of time they receive hospice care is only 18.7 days. 2 Patients who would prefer to die at home may die in a hospital, receiving unwanted aggressive treatment. Studies show that most terminally ill patients would benefit from being referred to hospice earlier for comprehensive care. In fact, experts agree hospice care is most beneficial when it is provided for months, rather than weeks or days. In addition to managing pain and symptoms, hospice may actually prolong the lives of some terminally ill patients by as much as 29 days. 3 The added time, along with expert medical care, offers an opportunity to address spiritual needs and help loved ones find closure.

3 Patients continue to delay hospice While healthcare professionals are often aware of these statistics, patients continue to delay hospice care, often until the last days, denying themselves and their families the full benefits. In 2012, approximately 35.5 percent of hospice patients died or were discharged within seven days of admission. 2 Compounding the issue is the general dissatisfaction felt by families who believe their loved ones were referred to hospice too late. They reported more unmet needs, greater concerns, and lower satisfaction with the overall quality of care. 4 VITAS is the answer VITAS provides comprehensive care for terminally ill patients and their families. We provide a combination of end-of-life services. These include pain management, ongoing clinical care, patient and family psychosocial support, and spiritual counseling that can help terminally ill patients achieve comfort. Our expert hospice care is often exactly what is needed for patients who: Have unmet pain needs Make frequent emergency room visits for the same symptoms or condition Have been in an ICU without improvement Have been readmitted to the hospital within 30 days for the same condition

4 When should you refer patients to hospice care? The short answer is, the earlier a patient is evaluated for hospice, the better. There are also certain physical symptoms that can help determine when the time is right for hospice. While they vary from one individual to another, symptoms may include: Unrelieved pain Frequent infections Repeat hospitalizations for the same condition or symptoms Weight loss/difficulty swallowing Nausea/vomiting Shortness of breath or oxygen dependence A progressive decline in health due to intolerance of, or despite the use of, curative medical therapies Over 35 percent of hospice patients died or were discharged within one week of being admitted. 2 1 The Dartmouth Atlas of Healthcare. End of Life Care. Web. dartmouthatlas.org/keyissues/issue.aspx?con=2944. Accessed July 29, NHPCO Facts and Figures: Hospice Care in America. Alexandria, VA: National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, October Connor, Stephen R., et. al. Comparing hospice and nonhospice patient survival among patients who die within a three year window. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 33(3): Teno, Joan M. et. al. Timing of referral to hospice and quality of care: length of stay and bereaved family members perceptions of the timing of hospice referral. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 34(2):

5 Don t delay because of a patient s financial concerns The Medicare Hospice Benefit covers 100 percent of the cost of care related to a patient s terminal illness. In most states, Medicaid also will provide hospice coverage, as do most private insurance plans. Refer your patients at the earliest possible time Provide them with a significantly improved quality of life when the end is nearing. VITAS professionals are available to meet with patients and their families to help them better understand the goals and benefits of hospice care. Simply call VITAS. We ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about timely admission to help your patients receive the maximum benefits of hospice care. To speak with a VITAS representative, please call VITAS. Experts agree hospice care is most beneficial when it is provided for months, rather than weeks or days.

6 Download Our App on Your Smartphone Provides immediate access to hospice clinical criteria Offers one-touch referral capability No referral paperwork Puts you in immediate contact with a VITAS admissions professional if you prefer Go to VITASapp.com Contact your local VITAS representative for more information. To refer a patient call VITAS VITAS.com/referral 2014 VITAS Healthcare Corporation E-01405G