The hospice referral process: What you need to know

When you or a loved one is living with an advanced illness, every doctor's appointment can feel overwhelming. You might be fearful about how your illness is progressing or frustrated by medical jargon. So, if your doctor suggests a hospice evaluation (also called a "hospice referral"), your heart may skip a beat.

But it’s helpful to view the hospice evaluation as a conversation, not a commitment. It’s an opportunity for you to gather information and ask questions. When you understand what hospice is (and what it isn’t) and how hospice supports both the patient and their family, you can make empowered, informed choices about your healthcare.

Here’s what to expect throughout the hospice evaluation process:

Step 1: Evaluation request

Anyone can request a hospice evaluation, and there's no cost to do so. Sometimes a healthcare professional, like a doctor or social worker, makes the request; other times, a patient or family member contacts us directly.

VITAS offers a variety of options to request a hospice evaluation. A VITAS team member is available around the clock to set things in motion quickly.

• Phone: You can call 800.93.VITAS, day or night, and reach a VITAS team member. You will need to provide the patient’s name, phone number and ZIP code.
• Website: Visit VITAS.com and complete a brief, secure online form to start the referral process. A member of our team will call you to schedule a visit.
• VITAS mobile app: Download the VITAS mobile app and request an evaluation from your phone. If you submit a request this way, you’ll receive an electronic confirmation.

Healthcare professionals can also request an evaluation through their e-referral platform.

Step 2: Evaluation

When we receive the request, we will contact you or your loved one to schedule an evaluation, often within 24 hours. Our goal is to meet with you as soon as you are available.

The evaluation will take place wherever the patient calls home, which may be a private residence, senior living community or skilled nursing facility. If the patient is hospitalized, the evaluation will take place at the hospital.

During the evaluation, a VITAS nurse or admissions coordinator will:

• Ask questions: The VITAS team member will ask questions to determine you or your loved one’s understanding of the illness. They will also ask about your goals and what matters most to you as the illness progresses. For example:
  • What activities bring joy to your life?
  • How much do the people closest to you know about your priorities and wishes for your care?
  • What are your biggest worries?
• Answer questions: The VITAS team member will answer any questions you have. We want to ensure that you have the information you need to make empowered, informed decisions.
• Share recommendations: Based on the evaluation, they will discuss whether you or your loved one is eligible for hospice, explain the Medicare Hospice Benefit and other available coverage options, and describe how VITAS can support you.

If you feel ready to move forward, the nurse or admissions coordinator will provide the consent forms needed for admission. From there, hospice care can begin.

Step 3: Hospice admission

Once the admission paperwork is signed, the VITAS interdisciplinary team gets to work. We will begin coordinating care and the delivery of any needed medical equipment, supplies and medications to the environment the patient calls home.

If the patient is hospitalized and not yet stable enough to return home, we can provide inpatient hospice care in the hospital or a freestanding VITAS Inpatient Hospice Care Unit. 

Taking the first step

Choosing hospice isn't about giving up; it's about helping you or your loved one live as well as you can for as long as you can. Understanding the evaluation process can ease some of the uncertainty during this challenging time.

To learn more or request an evaluation, call VITAS at 800.93.VITAS or download the VITAS app. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide guidance. 

Frequently asked questions

How long does the hospice evaluation process take?

It can move quickly. After VITAS receives a request, we often schedule an evaluation within 24 hours. If the patient or family is ready, care can begin the same day the admission paperwork is signed.

Who can request a hospice evaluation?

Anyone can request a hospice evaluation, including patients, family members and healthcare professionals. A doctor must certify that the patient has a prognosis of six months or less for hospice care to begin.

Does it cost anything to request a hospice evaluation?

No. Requesting an evaluation is free and there's no obligation to choose hospice even if the patient is eligible. Think of the hospice evaluation process as a conversation, not a commitment.

Where does the hospice evaluation take place?

The evaluation will take place wherever the patient calls home — a private residence, senior living community or skilled nursing facility. If the patient is hospitalized, the evaluation will take place at the hospital.