Hospice Physician Services
If your loved one has a serious, life-limiting condition, there are a few different care options you may choose. A hospice physician can help you make the decision that’s best for your loved one, and for your entire family.
At West Michigan Hospice, we’re focused on quality-of-life care that ensures your loved one receives the support they need to live as comfortably and peacefully as possible. Read on to learn more about how our hospice physician services can help.
What Does a Hospice Physician Do?
In conjunction with a patient’s general physician, the hospice physician is responsible for understanding your loved one’s medical history, evaluating condition changes, and writing hospice care orders based on that information. He or she will have specialized training and experience in the hospice field helping patients manage chronic diseases and symptoms effectively.
At West Michigan Hospice, our hospice physicians work to ensure personable, high-quality hospice services for each of our patients. They approve patients for hospice admission, oversee patients’ hospice care teams, re-certify patients for continued hospice care, and offer compassion and kindness in times of great need.
How Is a Hospice Physician Different From a General Physician?
While general physicians focus on patients’ overall health or treating a condition, hospice physicians concentrate on enhancing comfort. Their goal is to reduce pain and suffering, improve quality of life, and help family and close friends cope with the challenges of a patient’s illness.
Entering hospice care can be an extremely difficult time for both the patient and their loved ones. Hospice physicians are sympathetic and sensitive to the fear that comes with a life-limiting condition. They consider each patient’s needs, wishes, and priorities when developing a care plan.
Can You Have a Hospice Physician and a General Physician?
Yes, a hospice physician works alongside other doctors to provide each patient with the best possible care plan.
What's the Difference Between a Palliative Care Doctor and a Hospice Care Doctor?
The goal of palliative care is to reduce suffering and enhance the quality of life during any stage of a severe illness. This illness could be curable, chronic, or terminal. A palliative care doctor can still provide palliative care services at the same time as curative treatments.
The goal of hospice care is to treat symptoms of a chronic condition, rather than treating the illness that causes them. A hospice care doctor will prescribe various services (physical, emotional, spiritual, etc.) to help a patient manage their chronic symptoms and live comfortably, even though they’ve decided to forgo curative treatments.
Is Choosing Hospice Care the Same as 'Giving Up?'
No. Hospice care is designed to make patients comfortable and achieve the best quality of life possible during a difficult time. This is done by controlling symptoms such as pain, nausea, memory loss, lack of appetite, side effects caused by cancer, etc.
By choosing hospice care, patients can avoid emergency room visits and hospitalizations, as well as avoid the toll that some curative treatments can take on their bodies. Many hospice physicians will say that choosing hospice is like choosing peace. It will allow you and your loved one more time together, making special memories that will last.
How Does a Patient Enter Hospice Care?
The “hospice conversation” often starts when your loved one’s primary care provider recommends it as a potential care option. From there, they’ll refer you to a few different hospice providers in your area. You can schedule an initial appointment with their hospice physicians to discuss your loved one’s conditions and how they can best treat them.
In conjunction with your loved one’s regular doctor, the hospice physician will help you determine if your loved one is eligible for hospice services and if it’s the best course of action.
Does Insurance Cover Hospice Physicians?
Medicare and Medicaid cover 100% of the cost of hospice services. This includes the cost of hospice physician services, plus Durable Medical Equipment (e.g. walkers, beds), nursing care, and more.
There are just two things to be aware of when it comes to insurance for hospice care: Medicare/Medicaid will only cover the cost of hospice services if your loved one chooses to forgo curative treatments, and there are some prescription medications that you’ll need to pay a copay for. The copay should be no more than $5, if needed.
Have More Questions About Hospice Care
Contact Our Team
If you have more questions relating to hospice care for yourself or for a loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re just a phone call away at (616) 258-2680, or you can contact us online. You may also visit our FAQs page for more information.