Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions about our services or your patient's care, please call our Admissions professionals at 719.633.3400.
What is hospice?
Hospice care is for patients with a terminal illness and focuses on pain relief and symptom management as well as emotional and spiritual end-of-life issues.
What are the signs that a patient might be ready for hospice services?
When the burden of treatment outweighs the benefits and/or the patient has had multiple hospitalizations over the last several months, he or she might be ready for hospice.
To learn more, see our Eligibility Guidelines and/or use our Referral Checklist Tool to see if your patient is a candidate for hospice care.
How can a physician know whether a patient will die in the next six months?
A physician applies their best medical judgment to the situation. When they are unsure of the proper treatment path, they should consult Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care. You can reach our admissions Office at 719.633.3400.
To learn more, see our Eligibility Guidelines and/or use our Referral Checklist Tool to see if a patient is a candidate for hospice care.
Who Pays for Hospice?
Medicare pays for hospice services. Most insurance plans, HMOs, and managed care plans include hospice coverage. Tricare covers hospice services for active duty and retired members of the military. Learn more about Paying for Care.
How is hospice covered for patients without insurance?
Our hospice admissions staff work with patients who are not insured to determine financial responsibility, self-payments, and eligibility for other benefits that could help pay for services.
How does hospice work with an HMO?
Hospice provides care related to the primary diagnosis. The HMO takes care of unrelated healthcare.
Who is on the hospice team?
Each hospice patient has an Interdisciplinary Team assigned consisting of a Physician, Registered Nurse, Medical Social Worker, and Spiritual Care Counselor. Other team members are assigned based on patient goals and needs and include a Certified Nursing Assistant, Volunteer(s), Music Therapist, and other Complementary Therapists.
Where do patients go to receive hospice services?
Hospice is delivered where the patient lives. This may be a private residence or a long-term care facility.
Why would a nursing home resident require hospice services?
Nursing home residents who are in the last six months of life benefit from hospice services. The nursing home staff and the hospice team coordinate and collaborate on the resident’s plan of care. The hospice team visits the resident at the facility and provides an extra layer of support and specialized end-of-life care for residents.
What are hospice “levels of care?”
Medicare requires all hospice providers to offer four levels of care for patients and their families:
- Routine Home Care
- Respite Care
- General Inpatient Care
- Continuous Care