For Medical Professionals
Hospice Doctor / Medical Professional Referral in Central Georgia
Many doctors and medical professionals refer patients to our care and we want to ensure that each patient meets the eligibility criteria for the Hospice program. Our team of professionals can assist you in this process. To refer a patient, contact our centralized intake at 800-563-8680, or contact your local agency directly
Each patient is thoroughly evaluated for inclusion criteria upon referral, but here are some general guidelines:
- Patients are diagnosed with a terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less.
- Patients and families are fully informed of the prognosis and agree to the Hospice Care Options program.
We base our admissions on the professional judgment of the referring physicians. Medicare requires that attending physicians certify that patients are terminally ill with a short prognosis before Hospice is considered an option. Medicare regulations explain that “a physician’s certification of a patient is based upon clinical judgment regarding the normal course of illness.”
Common Diagnoses
There are a number of common diagnoses that meet admission criteria for the Hospice Care Options program. The program requires proper documentation of illness(es) and qualifying diagnoses. While the following list is not comprehensive, it is a listing of the most common illnesses we see. There are many other diagnoses including, but not limited to, Multiple Sclerosis, Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis, AIDS and Parkinson’s.
Cancer
- Pain
- Weight Loss, Malnutrition
- Anxiety
- Metastatic Disease
- Seeking Comfort Measures
- No longer seeking curative treatment
Cardiac
- Recurrent CHF (Congestive Heart Failure)
- Arrhythmia
- Responding Poorly to Medication and/or Treatment
- Refusing to Take Medication and/or Treatment
- History of heart attack
- Shortness of breath at rest
- Oxygen Dependent
- Class IV NY Heart Association
- Activity Limitations
- Severe aortic stenosis
CVA (Stroke)
- Frequent mini strokes
- Persistent Vegetative State
- Difficulty swallowing or aspiration
- Pneumonia
- Weight Loss, Malnutrition
- Requires significant assistance with self care
- Mainly in bed
- Poor nutritional status
- Weight loss over 10% in the past 6 months
- Recurrent Infections
- Post-Stroke Dementia
Dementia/Alzheimer’s
- Dependent with ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)
- Incontinence
- Inability to Communicate Properly
- Recurrent Infections
- Decubitus Ulcers
- Aspiration of difficulty swallowing
- Pneumonia
- Weight Loss, Malnutrition
- Unable to walk without assistance
Pulmonary
- Shortness of breath at Rest
- Oxygen Dependent
- Steroid Dependent
- Increased heart rate at rest
- Weight Loss, Malnutrition
- Responding Poorly to Medication and/or Treatment
- Refusing to Take Medication and/or Treatment
- Frequent Exacerbation with increased physician or ER visits
What Our Customers Say
Absolutely the best group of people for long term hospice care. Caring, professional, concerned. If you need long term medical care they are always there. Great organization.
– Michael T.