A Straightforward Referral Process for Patients, Families, and Care Professionals
When a patient may benefit from hospice care, knowing who to contact and what happens next can make the process easier.
Angel Palliative Care & Hospice, Inc. works with physicians, hospitals, case managers, social workers, discharge planners, residential care communities, home health agencies, families, and caregivers to coordinate hospice referrals and help patients understand their care options.
Our team is available to discuss a patient’s needs, answer questions, and guide referral sources through the next steps.
Who Can Refer a Patient?
Hospice referrals can come from healthcare professionals, care organizations, patients, or family members.
Physicians
Physicians can refer patients who may be appropriate for hospice evaluation based on their clinical condition, prognosis, goals of care, and applicable hospice requirements.
Our team can coordinate with the referring physician and other healthcare professionals involved in the patient’s care.
Refer a PatientHospital Case Managers
Hospital case managers can contact APCH when a patient may benefit from hospice support as part of discharge planning or transition of care.
Our team can discuss the patient’s needs and help coordinate the referral process and appropriate next steps.
Refer a PatientSocial Workers & Discharge Planners
Social workers and discharge planners often help patients and families navigate difficult care decisions.
APCH can work with these professionals to discuss hospice services, referral information, care settings, and the patient’s individual needs.
Send a ReferralSkilled Nursing Facilities
Skilled nursing facilities can contact APCH when a resident may benefit from hospice services or when the resident’s goals of care have shifted toward comfort-focused support.
Our team can coordinate with facility staff and the patient’s existing care team as appropriate.
Refer a ResidentAssisted Living Communities & RCFEs
Residents of assisted living communities, RCFEs, and board-and-care homes may receive hospice services in their residential setting when appropriate.
APCH works with facility staff, families, and healthcare professionals to coordinate hospice care according to the patient’s individualized plan of care.
Refer a ResidentHome Health Agencies
Home health professionals may recognize when a patient’s needs or condition have changed and a hospice discussion may be appropriate.
APCH can coordinate with the patient’s healthcare providers and care team during the referral process.
Refer a PatientFamilies & Caregivers
Families and caregivers can also contact APCH when they have questions about hospice or believe a loved one may benefit from an evaluation.
You do not need to determine hospice eligibility on your own. Our team can explain the evaluation process and help you understand what happens next.
Talk With Our Hospice TeamWhat Information Helps Us Begin?
Providing relevant information with a referral can help the hospice team understand the patient’s current situation and determine the appropriate next steps.
When available, helpful referral information may include:
- Patient’s name and contact information
- Patient’s date of birth
- Primary diagnosis
- Relevant medical history
- Current symptoms or changes in condition
- Recent hospitalizations or emergency visits
- Current medications
- Current level of assistance with daily activities
- Relevant clinical records
- Physician information
- Insurance information
- Current care setting
- Family or caregiver contact information
- Referring provider’s contact information
Not every referral will have all of this information available. If you have questions about what is needed, contact our team.
What Happens After a Referral?
Families and referral sources often want to know what happens after they contact hospice.
We Receive the Referral
Our team reviews the information provided and identifies the appropriate next steps.
We Review the Patient’s Needs
The hospice team considers the patient’s condition, available clinical information, care needs, and other relevant factors as part of the evaluation process.
We Connect With the Patient or Family
When appropriate, our team communicates with the patient, family, caregiver, or referring professional to discuss the situation and answer questions.
We Coordinate the Next Steps
If hospice appears appropriate, the team works with the patient, family, healthcare providers, and care setting as applicable to coordinate the next steps.
We Begin the Care Process
Once hospice care is elected and the necessary arrangements are completed, the team coordinates services according to the patient’s individualized plan of care.
Where Can Hospice Care Be Provided?
Hospice does not necessarily require a patient to move to a hospice facility.
Depending on the patient’s needs and circumstances, hospice services may be provided in:
- Private residences
- Assisted living communities
- RCFEs and board-and-care homes
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Other appropriate residential settings
APCH works with patients, families, caregivers, and facility staff as appropriate to coordinate care.
A Referral Is the Beginning of a Conversation
A referral does not mean that you have to make every decision immediately.
If you are a physician, case manager, social worker, facility representative, home health professional, family member, or caregiver with questions about whether hospice may be appropriate, our team can help explain the evaluation process.
