Resources For Physicians

Ask yourself the question: "Would I be surprised if this patient was not living by this time next year?"

If the answer is "No," the patient may be eligible for hospice.

Make a Referral

When is it Time to Consult Hospice?
When a patient has a life expectancy of weeks or months rather than years. Patients with functional decline, poor nutritional status, weight loss and worsening of symptoms may be appropriate for hospice care.

See below for several disease-specific indicators:

• Aphasia
• Dysphagia
• Inability to participate in ADLs
• Decubitus ulcers
• Recurrent infections

Stroke:

• Dysphagia
• Aspiration
• Recurrent infections
• Pneumonia

Cancer:

• Anorexia
• Progression of symptoms despite treatment
• Pain or other symptoms
• Metastatic disease

Heart Disease:

• Dyspnea and/or chest pains at rest
• Overwhelming fatigue
• Recurrent hospitalizations/exacerbations

End-State Kidney Disease:

• Declines dialysis
• Poor response to dialysis
• Pain or other symptoms

End-State Liver Disease:

• Pain or other symptoms
• Even if awaiting transplant

Lung Disease:

• Dyspnea at rest
• Dependent on oxygen
• Recurrent hospitalizations/exacerbations

For more information about who can make a referral, contact numbers and where to get your questions answered, click here

For further information, please contact
Hospice of Lancaster County at 295-3900.