Benefits of Early Referral

By offering hospice care, physicians are making a positive statement – “There is much we can do.” Hospice is a positive option--a different kind of care that aggressively provides comfort and attempts to maximize the quality of living.  Death is a natural part of the life cycle, and hospice wants to help families and patients make life meaningful until the end of life. There is more to do and hospice care can do it, if people are more open to the care early enough in their diagnosis. 

Currently, the average length of hospice care is 36 days and 28 percent of patients die within seven days of referral according to national statistics. These short lengths of care occur despite the Medicare benefit that provides hospice care during the last six months of life and additional 60-day benefit periods for as long as needed. Experts in hospice care agree that patients need to be enrolled for at least 60 days to maximize the benefits of a hospice program.

Why are patients and families choosing hospice so late?  Many factors contribute to late referrals; but patients and families need to know some facts about hospice care:

• Hospice is focused on living not dying
• Care can take place in the patient’s home
• Hospice care is a covered Medicare/Medicaid benefit
• The cost of medicines, equipment, and supplies related to the terminal diagnosis are covered
• Patient can remain under the care of his or her own personal physician and Hospice Savannah's Chief Medical Director assists in managing the patients hospice care.

Hospice Savannah helps patients and families who are dealing with end-of-life issues to overcome their daily challenges, to appreciate each moment of their journey, and ultimately to embrace the spirit of living.

 To find out more about Hospice Savannah and the services provided, call 355-2289.

Dr. Kelly Erola, Chief Medical Director Hospice Savannah, Inc.