Referrals to Unity Hospice Care
If you would like to refer a patient to us, please call 888-756-7322. You can also download and complete the referral form below. Fax it to (901) 756-7085.
Our dedicated, caring staff will work with you and/or the patient and their family during a difficult time. Thank you for your referral.
HOSPICE CARE AND PALLIATIVE CARE DIFFERENCES
Admissions Criteria
Palliative Care
Patients at any stage of advanced and life-threating illness who desire treatment for relief of symptoms whether social, physical, emotional, or spiritual. May still be seeking curative therapies
Hospice
Terminally ill (prognosis of 6 months or less if illness follows its normal course) and desiring treatment for relief of symptoms whether physical, emotional, social or spiritual. No curative therapies.
Diagnosis
Palliative Care
All distressing issues related to disease diagnosis and symptoms are identified in the Plan of Care with suggested interventions.
Hospice
One diagnosis is selected to be the terminal diagnosis and is the hospice program’s financial responsibility. Other diagnoses included in the Plan of Care and treated but continue to be covered under the Medicare benefit.
Physician Responsibility
Palliative Care
The patient’s physician must order the Palliative consult or admission to the palliative program.
Patient’s Plan of Care is reviewed at least every 30 days. Primary physician must remain available for needed orders.
Hospice
Certification by two physicians if patient is terminally ill. Plan of Care reviewed at least every 15 days. Certification for subsequent benefit periods are made by the hospice physician.
Primary physician must remain available for needed orders.
Caregiver
Palliative Care
A Caregiver is not required. Patient and caregiver family needs are the focus of care.
Hospice
Caregiver is identified (or plan established for caregiver when needed) and required by Hospice. Focus of care is on the patient and caregiver/family needs.
Visit Frequency
Palliative Care
No restrictions.
Hospice
Determined by patient and Hospice team.
Hospitalization
Palliative Care
No restrictions.
Hospice
Must be coordinated by Hospice. Admission for respite care or symptom management must be into a contracted facility.
Services Covered
Palliative Care
Nurse Practitioner billed to Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. Deductibles and co-pay’s may apply. Per visit rate for RN and Home Health Aide on a sliding fee scale as financially needed. No charge for volunteer, chaplain, social worker and bereavement services.
Hospice
Covered 100% by Medicare and Medicaid. By Private Insurance per contract and subject to deductible and co-pays. Patient choses the hospice of their choice.
Cost
Palliative Care
Nurse Practitioner billed to Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. Deductibles and co-pay’s may apply. Per visit rate for RN and Home Health Aide on a sliding fee scale as financially needed. No charge for volunteer, chaplain, social worker and bereavement services.
Hospice
Covered 100% by Medicare and Medicaid. By Private Insurance per contract and subject to deductible and co-pays. Patient selects the hospice of their choice.
Staffing
Palliative Care
Support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Hospice
Support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Crisis Management
Palliative Care
Nursing visits.
Hospice
Nursing visits or continuous care to allow the patient to stay at home.
Bereavement Support
Palliative Care
Provided to caregivers for 13 months after death of the patient.
Hospice
Assessed on admission to hospice and provided on-going and for 13 months after the death of the patient.