We find that many hospice patients want their own physicians to manage their care during this important time of their lives and they are afraid that this is not possible.

Most hospices welcome physicians to stay on as the attending physician for their patients. Medicare will continue to reimburse these physicians for office visits, home visits and “care plan oversight.” As the attending physician, your physician may be notified for all orders, consulted at every change of your condition and sign the death certificate.

Many physicians understand and embrace the importance and benefit of hospice services offered to their patients; however, there are some who find that the hospice physician is the best one to care for their patients.

Most hospices provide patient updates to the referring physician and or their nurse even if they don’t stay on as the attending.

Also, most hospices have physicians who visit every patient regardless of whether their physician stays on as their attending. Each patient does have the right to have a physician who is managing their care, visit in their home or nursing home or where ever they reside.

Yes, your physician, should they choose to do so, can continue to manage your care for the rest of your life.

Furthermore, if you are 65 and older, the Hospice Medicare Benefit will cover the costs of your hospice care - you have paid for it. Death is not an option, but the way you choose to die is an option and we hope you get the opportunity to experience hospice care when you need it.

Hospices don’t want you to die, they want you to live as well as possible for the rest of your life.