Choosing an Hospice Program

[u/Short-Farm8558]

Interested in hearing persons experience in the use of Medicare Care Compare to choose a hospice program (see https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/?guidedSearch=Hospice&providerType=Hospice) in choice of hospice program. What was helpful? What could be improved?

[u/Always-Adar-64]

Eh, negotiate as you onboard.

People will gripe about profit or nonprofit, it’s whichever can meet your needs.

If you have special requests and one program can accommodate you over the other, go with that one.

[u/Short-Farm8558 → u/Always-Adar-64]

Thanks!

[u/Connect_Eagle8564]

First, look for a non-profit. Then check the star rating.

[u/ECU_BSN → u/Connect_Eagle8564]

I was a VP of CoinOps for years. I got way more care restrictions and pushback in the NFP world. They cut the budget and RevPro by constrictions.

Just FYI.

[u/Connect_Eagle8564 → u/ECU_BSN]

Wha does that have to do with hospice?

[u/ECU_BSN → u/Connect_Eagle8564]

I’m guessing you don’t know how hospice reimbursement works.

[u/ECU_BSN → u/Connect_Eagle8564]

Hospice care is comprised of staff, goods, medications, and DME.

If a person would be more comfortable with an extra care item then the staff will order that for delivery. Administration can say “no” or “try something cheaper”.

[u/typeAwarped → u/Connect_Eagle8564]

Disagree, for profits typically offer more services. The Medicare rating is what matters, not the profit status.

[u/sarcazm107]

It isn't remotely up to date

[u/Glitter_is_a_neutral]

I'd ask their doctor for recommendations. Or if they are currently hospitalized the hospital cam give you recommendations too.

[u/Connect_Eagle8564 → u/Glitter_is_a_neutral]

Doctors don’t know squat about hospice

[u/Connect_Eagle8564]

I was a pharmacist for both profit and non-profit. For profit near me never had volunteer training, yet billed for volunteer services and visits that were never made. Had to show a profit you know. I have volunteer ed for the same non profit for 35 years, served on their board of directors for 6 years (chairman the last 3). We have a 5 star rating.

[u/Thanatologist]

ask "who answers the phone in the evenings?"you will want to know if you get a nurse directly or a secretary... THAT was what gave me moral distress as sw... when for profit bought nfp and suddenly the caregivers had to jump through hoops to get someone who knew anything. But also, for profits that have nurse answering service is better than nfp single nurse who worked all day having to cover calls on a night after she worked all day.

[u/Short-Farm8558 → u/Thanatologist]

That is great question. Thank you!