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Frequently Asked Questions

Do state and federal reviewers inspect and evaluate hospices?
Yes. There are state licensure requirements that must be met by hospice programs in order for them to deliver care. In addition, hospices must comply with federal regulations in order to be approved for reimbursement under Medicare. Hospices must periodically undergo inspection to be sure they are meeting regulatory standards in order to maintain their license to operate and the certification that permits Medicare reimbursement.

How can I be sure that quality hospice care is provided?
Many hospices use tools to let them see how well they are doing in relation to quality hospice standards. In addition, most programs use family satisfaction surveys to get feedback on the performance of their programs. To help hospice programs in making sure they give quality care and service, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization has developed recommended standards entitled "Standards of Practice for Hospice Programs" as one way of ensuring quality.

There are also voluntary accreditation organizations that evaluate hospice programs to protect consumers. These organizations survey hospices to see whether they are providing care that meets defined quality standards. These reviews consider the customary practices of the hospice, such as policies and procedures, medical records, personal records, evaluation studies, and in many cases also include visits to patients and families currently under care of that hospice program. Homestead Hospice chose to obtain Accreditation with The Joint Commission and received "Deemed Status" in it's Chandler, AZ office in July 2010.

To what extent are physicians involved in patient care?
Homestead Hospice has 8 physicians involved in the care of our patients. Our physicians are available to visit every patient at home or in hospital or nursing home as needed or desired. A physician is available to hospice staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Do I have to give up my regular physician if I choose hospice care?
Although Homestead Hospice maintains a staff of physicians, a hospice patient is not required to change doctors. Any state licensed physician can be the primary physician if he or she wishes to continue caring for the hospice patient.

What are the rules for me/my family to use hospice?
Patients must meet government standards to receive hospice care. Patients often wait too long to get help. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with a life limiting illness that is not curable, it is important to get informed about hospice as soon as possible. Many people are surprised to learn that they could have had the help much sooner. Hospice is generally covered by Medicare and/or private insurance. To find out if you or a loved one meet the criteria for hospice, call Homestead Hospice today at 877-355-4472. Dedicated professionals are available to answer your questions over the phone. Additionally, a personal consultant is available to meet with you in person at your convenience.

Do you have to be dying to use hospice?
No. A patient must be diagnosed with an illness that is expected to limit life expectancy to 6 months or less. No one knows exactly how long one individual will live with an illness. Often, patients live longer than the 6 month diagnosis and enjoy a much better quality of life under hospice care.

Is hospice any different from a nursing home?
Yes. Hospice is a type of care that can be given to patients in a nursing home. This care is in addition to the care received from the nursing home staff. If a patient receives hospice care while in a nursing home, they essentially have 2 teams of clinicians caring for them. At Homestead Hospice, we have a special program for working in facilities to ensure excellent communication and collaboration of care.

How much does hospice cost? Does insurance cover hospice?
Hospice is a benefit paid for under Medicare, Medicaid and some private insurance programs. Costs for medications, care, equipment and supplies related to the hospice diagnosis are typically fully covered by Medicare and Medicaid. Often, patients and their families are not aware that this is help they can receive in their home at no additional cost to them.

What is the average approval time on any financial assistance?
Homestead Hospice can run insurance verification for all of their patients within an hour of receiving the referral. To run insurance verification, hospice will need the patient's name, date of birth and social security number. For Medicare and Medicaid patients, verification of enrollment is all that is needed and this only takes about an hour as well.

Is hospice care always in the home?
No. Hospice is a type of care, not a place. The hospice staff provides the
care wherever the patient resides. This includes the home, or a facility such as a personal care home, assisted living facility, skilled nursing home, etc.