HOSPICE INSPIRIS - Frequently Asked Questions

	These are some of the most frequently asked questions by people and families new to hospice care.

• How do I refer someone to HOSPICE INSPIRIS?
• What are some of the most common covered diagnosis for hospice care?
• What type of relief does HOSPICE INSPIRIS provide for the Caregiver?
• Is a nurse available anytime of the day or night if needed?
• How do I know when to call for a HOSPICE INSPIRIS nurse?
• What if the patient requires oxygen?
• Should HOSPICE INSPIRIS be contacted before seeking emergency room treatment or hospitalization?
• Is ambulance transportation part of HOSPICE INSPIRIS care?
• Does Medicare or insurance cover HOSPICE INSPIRIS care?
• What is not covered in Hospice care?

How do I refer someone to HOSPICE INSPIRIS?
A referral can be made to HOSPICE INSPIRIS by anyone. The patient, family and primary physician must all be in agreement with the hospice philosophy and in making the transition from curative and aggressive treatment to comfort care, or palliative care. An evaluation by a hospice RN can be arranged by calling HOSPICE INSPIRIS.

What are some of the most common covered diagnosis for hospice care?
• General Debility • Cancer/Malignancy • Cerebral Vascular Disease • Renal Disease • Pulmonary Disease • Neurological Disease • Alzheimer’s Disease • Cardiac Disease • Diabetes • AIDS • Liver Disease

What type of relief does HOSPICE INSPIRIS provide for the Caregiver?
Hospice Inspiris extends emotional, physical and spiritual support to families who have loved ones that are cared for by Hospice. Whether your loved one resides at home or in a facility, HOSPICE INSPIRIS offers the family several benefits that aid in providing comfort and support during this difficult time. A few of the benefits offered: • Prescription and Over the Counter Medications that are related to the patient’s hospice diagnosis • Incontinent Products • Medical Equipment such as Hospital Beds, Bedside Commodes, Feeding Pumps, Tube Feeding Supplies, etc. • Bereavement Counseling • Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapy for Comfort Measures • Specialized Pain Management • Symptom Control • Nutritional Evaluation by a Certified Dietician • Assistance with activities of Daily Living by a Certified Nursing Assistant • Chaplain Services • Social Worker Services • Support Groups

Is a nurse available anytime of the day or night if needed?
A HOSPICE INSPIRIS Nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. During evenings, nights and weekends, emergency calls are answered by our answering service. A HOSPICE INSPIRIS nurse should respond to a call within 15 minutes.

How do I know when to call for a HOSPICE INSPIRIS nurse?
Always call Hospice Inspiris first, not 911 if:

• The patient’s condition has changed markedly
• The patient’s pain is no longer under control
• The patient’s experiences unexpected bleeding
• The patient is unable to urinate
• The patient is experiencing difficulty breathing
• If you believe the patient has expired, always CALL HOSPICE INSPIRIS FIRST

What if the patient requires oxygen?
In the event that the patient requires oxygen, we will arrange to have an oxygen concentrator delivered the home environment. As an additional source of oxygen, we may also provide an oxygen tank that can be used in emergency situations.

Should HOSPICE INSPIRIS be contacted before seeking emergency room treatment or hospitalization?
HOSPICE INSPIRIS Staff can usually manage most problems related to the hospice diagnosis without a trip to the Emergency Room. Medicare generally will not cover Emergency Room visits related to the Hospice diagnosis and often times the Hospital will bill families for these services. Before calling 911, please call your HOSPICE INSPIRIS Nurse to discuss your concerns and receive his/her experienced advice which may forego an emergency room visit. In the event that your loved one cannot be made comfortable at home, or requires a special procedure, hospitalization may be recommended by your doctor. It is necessary to contact HOSPICE INSPIRIS anytime you feel your loved one may need hospitalization. HOSPICE INSPIRIS is not financially responsible for any hospice Medicare Beneficiaries hospital admission not authorized by the Hospice Team.

Is ambulance transportation part of HOSPICE INSPIRIS care?
Your HOSPICE INSPIRIS Nurse can authorize and order ambulance transportation. Please call your HOSPICE INSPIRIS Nurse to request ambulance transportation from home to the hospital. Should you call 911, the transportation expense may become the family’s responsibility. Therefore, please call the HOSPICE INSPIRIS Nurse before calling 911.

Does Medicare or insurance cover HOSPICE INSPIRIS care?
Once your ill loved one has decided that curative treatment is no longer an option and the physician has determined a prognosis of six month or less, hospice Medicare Benefits may be activated. This benefit covers services related to the Hospice Diagnosis such as visits by members of our HOSPICE INSPIRIS Team, Medical Equipment, Prescription Drugs and other supplies. Hospice services are also covered by AHCCS and most insurance companies. However, in cases where no insurance coverage is available, HOSPICE INSPIRIS may be able to assist those who are uninsured or do not have a hospice benefit.

What is not covered in Hospice care?
In most cases private duty attendants are not covered by Medicare or Private Health Plans. In the event that your loved one should require a private duty attendant, HOSPICE INSPIRIS can assist in identifying qualified agencies in your area. Other services which may not be covered by hospice include medications and services un-related to the hospice diagnosis and experimental treatments or drugs.