Trustbridge

Although most people know that hospice care is for the end of life, we are often asked what this means.  When should a patient be referred to hospice?

While hospice care may be appropriate at any time during a life-limiting illness, we have found that the quality of life of patients and their families is highest when in hospice care for as long as possible. 

A new study by the NORC at the University of Chicago found that hospice care contributed $3.5 billion in savings for Medicare in 2019.  The total cost of care to Medicare for beneficiaries who used hospice services was 3.1% lower than for those who did not elect hospice services. In addition, earlier enrollment in hospice reduced Medicare spending even further

Key findings of the study include:

• Medicare spending for individuals that received hospice care was $3.5 billion less than that of individuals who didn't.
• The total cost of care to Medicare for beneficiaries who used hospice services was 3.1% lower that for those who didn't use hospice services.
• Earlier enrollment in hospice reduces Medicare spending even further. Hospice is associated with lower Medicare end-of-life expenditures when lengths of stay are longer than 10 days.
• Hospice stays of six months or more result in an average 11% savings for Medicare.

How Trustbridge Can Help

By providing the option of hospice care sooner, you can continue to make a positive change in the lives of your patients and help them to maximize their quality of life. We offer families excellent medical care, caregiver support,  and healthcare support in our patients’ homes. Services include

• Pain and symptom relief
• Regular nursing visits
• Caregiver guidance and support
• Emotional and spiritual support for your family
• Complementary therapies, such as music therapy
• Delivery of medications, special equipment, and supplies

Families are entitled to hospice care for six months or longer if the patient continues to meet the medical criteria. Patients can choose to leave hospice care at any time, for any reason, and return later on if they meet admission criteria.

The earlier you call, the more you can benefit from our support. The number one comment we hear is  “I wish we had called sooner.”

Benefits Of Early Referral

Your patients are unique – each have their own beliefs about who they are, what gives them meaning, what they value and what they hold true.  These can include family, friends, good health and well-being and happiness.  However, when they become seriously ill, their priorities change and they need to re-evaluate what their new goals may be and what options are available to them. 

Effective communication between doctors and their patients and caregivers is the cornerstone of the physician-patient relationship and provides the basis for patient-centered care.  Yet for many healthcare providers, they may also prove to be the most difficult.  As a physician, you may be focused on pursuing a cure or worried about taking away a patient’s hope.  However, when done correctly, goals-of-care conversations can improve doctor-patient relations and allow your patient to be where they want to be, with the people they want to be with and experience the quality of life they want and deserve. 

While no physician should ever be uncomfortable having these conversations, Trustbridge is here to help you if you do not feel comfortable or capable of doing it well.  For over 45 years, Trustbridge has been your trusted partner in care, working with you to meet the needs of your patients and families, thru every step of their journey. 

Ultimately, goals-of-care conversations aren’t about us.  They are about partnering with our patients and understanding their values, perspectives, fears and desires.  They are about getting people the care they want and need.  Trustbridge is here to help you reach those goals for your patients. 

How to Have Difficult Conversations