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California Hospice Care

How Do Hospice Transfers Work?

October 24, 2023 by Journey Palliative and Hospice

Did you know that you can request a hospice transfer? While the idea of switching hospice providers might sound daunting, many patients and their families are surprised by how simple and straightforward it is. In this post, we will explain the steps involved in hospice transfers, and tell you when you are able to request a transfer. But first, let’s talk about some scenarios where changing hospice providers may make sense.

Why You Might Want to Change Hospices

  • Changing location: Sometimes it might be necessary to move while in hospice. Perhaps, for example, the patient is currently in hospice inconveniently far away from family or other caregivers. Relocating closer to family might take the patient out of range of their current hospice’s services. Switching to a new hospice will allow the patient to continue benefiting from hospice and palliative care while also receiving more effective care from loved ones.
  • Dissatisfied with current services: Sadly, it is possible to have a bad experience with a hospice provider. When that happens, transferring to a new hospice can be vital for continued quality of life.
  • The patient’s condition has evolved: Sometimes a patient’s condition may change, or new conditions could develop over the course of care. Perhaps it would make sense to transfer to a new hospice provider that has extra expertise in those specific conditions or situations.
  • Simply seeking a better fit: Sometimes a hospice simply is not an ideal fit for the patient. There could be a clash between the patient’s needs and the hospice’s philosophies, or perhaps the patient’s personality just is not meshing with those of the hospice’s staff. If you can identify a hospice which might be more suitable, then a transfer could be the right move.

It is also possible to transfer out of hospice altogether; sometimes even after a terminal diagnosis, there may be an unexpected remission.  After transferring out of hospice, you can transfer back in under the same constraints you originally required for hospice approval.

When You are Allowed to Transfer Hospices

Medicare.gov says, “You can get hospice care for two 90-day benefit periods, followed by an unlimited number of 60-day benefit periods. You have the right to change your hospice provider once during each benefit period.”

How to Transfer Between Hospices

If you want to transfer from one hospice to another, follow these steps:

  1. Find a new hospice that suits your needs.
  2. Request a transfer form from your existing provider.
  3. Complete the transfer paperwork (you may request assistance if you need it).
  4. Provide the following information to your existing hospice, your future hospice, and your doctor:
  • The names and contact information of both the new hospice and the old hospice
  • The date you will transfer from one hospice to the other

This information will allow for the seamless transfer of medications, supplies and equipment. That way, everything you need will be ready on the transfer date. While taking this step, you can double check to make sure that your existing hospice team forwarded all of your files to the new team. There will be no break in service. You will simply start receiving services from your new hospice staff on the transfer date.

Find Out How Journey Palliative and Hospice Can Help Your Loved One

Journey Palliative and Hospice is based in Burbank, and serves patients and their loved ones throughout Kern, LA, Ventura and Orange Counties. To find out how we can provide compassionate care, please give us a call at (818) 748-3427. We can walk you through the hospice transfer process step-by-step.

Filed Under: HospiceTagged With: Burbank, California, Hospice Care Tips

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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I initiate a hospice transfer from hospital?
To initiate a hospice transfer from the hospital, you will need to work with your current hospice provider and the hospital staff to complete the necessary paperwork and coordinate the transition of care.
How long does it take to change hospice providers?
The process of changing hospice providers typically takes 1-2 weeks, during which the new provider will coordinate with the previous one to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of care for the patient.
What are the reasons to change hospice providers?
Patients may choose to change hospice providers due to dissatisfaction with the quality of care, the need for a different level of service, or a desire to receive care from a hospice closer to their home or family.
How long does a hospice transfer typically take?
The hospice transfer process typically takes 2-3 business days to complete, allowing for a smooth transition between providers and ensuring continuity of care for the patient.
Can I transfer my loved one from nursing home to hospice?
Yes, you can transfer your loved one from a nursing home to hospice care. The process involves coordination between the nursing home, hospice provider, and your loved one's healthcare team to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of care.
Can I switch hospice providers if Im unhappy with care?
Yes, you can switch hospice providers if you are unhappy with the care. The hospice transfer process is straightforward, and it ensures continuity of care during the transition to a new provider that better meets your needs.
What are the steps involved in transferring hospice companies?
The steps involved in transferring hospice companies include initiating the transfer process, obtaining necessary paperwork, and ensuring continuity of care during the transition to the new provider.
Do I need a doctors approval to change hospice providers?
You generally do not need a doctor's approval to change hospice providers. The hospice transfer process is designed to be straightforward, allowing patients and families to easily switch to a different hospice care provider.
How do I ensure seamless care during the transfer process?
Ensuring seamless care during the hospice transfer process involves coordinating with both the current and new hospice providers to facilitate a smooth transition. This includes timely sharing of medical records and care plans to maintain continuity of services for the patient.
Can I transfer hospice companies to a different state?
Transferring hospice companies to a different state is possible. The process involves coordinating with both the current and new hospice providers to ensure a seamless transition and continuation of care for the patient.
Can I choose a new hospice provider for my loved one?
Yes, you can choose a new hospice provider for your loved one. The hospice transfer process is designed to make it easy to change providers while ensuring continuity of care during this difficult time.
Can Medicare help me change hospice providers?
Medicare can help patients change hospice providers. The process involves obtaining a doctor's order, notifying the current hospice, and selecting a new provider that accepts Medicare.
What are the criteria for hospice transfer from home?
The criteria for hospice transfer from home include a change in the patient's condition, the need for a different level of care, or the family's preference to transition to a different hospice provider.
Is it possible to change hospice providers at any time?
Yes, it is possible to change hospice providers at any time. Patients and their families have the flexibility to transfer to a different hospice provider if they are not satisfied with the current one or if their needs change.
Can I transfer from one hospice to another?
Yes, you can transfer from one hospice to another. The process involves coordinating with the current and new hospice providers to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of care for the patient.
What paperwork is required for a hospice transfer?
The paperwork required for a hospice transfer includes a physician's order, a hospice election form, and any necessary insurance or payer documentation. The process ensures a smooth transition and continuity of care.
Why do hospice companies need to be transferred?
Hospice companies may need to be transferred when a patient's needs or preferences change, or if the current provider is unable to adequately meet the patient's needs. The transfer process ensures continuity of care during this transition.
What are the costs associated with transferring hospice companies?
The costs associated with transferring hospice companies typically include administrative fees, any outstanding balances with the previous provider, and potential changes in coverage or benefits between the two providers.
How do I change hospice providers in my state?
Changing hospice providers in your state involves contacting the new provider, coordinating the transfer of care, and ensuring continuity of services. This process can be facilitated by the new hospice provider to make the transition as smooth as possible.
What are the benefits of changing hospice providers?
Changing hospice providers can allow patients to access different services, care teams, and support that better meet their unique needs and preferences during end-of-life care.
Do I need to notify Medicare during the transfer process?
Yes, you need to notify Medicare during the hospice transfer process to ensure a smooth transition and continued coverage of your hospice care.
What factors influence hospice transfer decisions?
Factors that influence hospice transfer decisions include patient preference, change in medical needs, dissatisfaction with current provider, and the desire for a different level of care or services.
How can I prepare for a hospice transfer?
Preparing for a hospice transfer involves gathering relevant medical records, understanding the transfer process, and communicating with the new hospice provider to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of care.
What documentation is needed for hospice transfer?
To transfer to a new hospice provider, patients will need to provide documentation such as a physician's order, a hospice election statement, and a copy of their current hospice plan of care.
Are there specific timelines for hospice transfers?
The timeline for a hospice transfer can vary, but the process is typically completed within a few business days. The patient's care team will work to ensure a smooth transition to the new hospice provider.
What should I expect during a hospice transfer?
During a hospice transfer, you can expect a smooth transition with continuity of care. The process involves coordinating with the new hospice provider, transferring medical records, and ensuring uninterrupted support for the patient and their family.
How can I find a new hospice provider?
Finding a new hospice provider involves researching options, discussing with your current provider, and assessing factors like location, services, and patient satisfaction to select a provider that best meets your needs.
What support is available during hospice transitions?
During hospice transitions, support is available to ensure a smooth transfer between providers, including assistance with paperwork, coordination of care, and emotional support for the patient and their family.
Can I request a specific hospice provider?
Yes, you can request a specific hospice provider. The hospice team will work with you to ensure the provider you choose can meet your care needs and preferences.
What happens if I change my mind about hospice?
If you change your mind about hospice, you can discontinue the hospice services at any time. The hospice provider will work with you to ensure a smooth transition back to standard medical care.

patient, information, palliative care, medicare, terminal illness, caregiver, medicaid, health, cms, fee, nursing home, medication, health care, medicare advantage, quality of life, home care, continue, quality, hospice agency, communities, hospice benefit, medicaid services, hospice provider, enter, respite care, physician, license, medicare hospice benefit, health insurance, disease, social work, pain, pain management, cancer, revocation, copayment, prognosis

Frequently Asked Questions
How do I initiate a hospice transfer from hospital?
To initiate a hospice transfer from the hospital, you will need to work with your current hospice provider and the hospital staff to complete the necessary paperwork and coordinate the transition of care.
How long does it take to change hospice providers?
The process of changing hospice providers typically takes 1-2 weeks, during which the new provider will coordinate with the previous one to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of care for the patient.
What are the reasons to change hospice providers?
Patients may choose to change hospice providers due to dissatisfaction with the quality of care, the need for a different level of service, or a desire to receive care from a hospice closer to their home or family.
How long does a hospice transfer typically take?
The hospice transfer process typically takes 2-3 business days to complete, allowing for a smooth transition between providers and ensuring continuity of care for the patient.
Can I transfer my loved one from nursing home to hospice?
Yes, you can transfer your loved one from a nursing home to hospice care. The process involves coordination between the nursing home, hospice provider, and your loved one's healthcare team to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of care.
Can I switch hospice providers if Im unhappy with care?
Yes, you can switch hospice providers if you are unhappy with the care. The hospice transfer process is straightforward, and it ensures continuity of care during the transition to a new provider that better meets your needs.
What are the steps involved in transferring hospice companies?
The steps involved in transferring hospice companies include initiating the transfer process, obtaining necessary paperwork, and ensuring continuity of care during the transition to the new provider.
Do I need a doctors approval to change hospice providers?
You generally do not need a doctor's approval to change hospice providers. The hospice transfer process is designed to be straightforward, allowing patients and families to easily switch to a different hospice care provider.
How do I ensure seamless care during the transfer process?
Ensuring seamless care during the hospice transfer process involves coordinating with both the current and new hospice providers to facilitate a smooth transition. This includes timely sharing of medical records and care plans to maintain continuity of services for the patient.
Can I transfer hospice companies to a different state?
Transferring hospice companies to a different state is possible. The process involves coordinating with both the current and new hospice providers to ensure a seamless transition and continuation of care for the patient.
Can I choose a new hospice provider for my loved one?
Yes, you can choose a new hospice provider for your loved one. The hospice transfer process is designed to make it easy to change providers while ensuring continuity of care during this difficult time.
Can Medicare help me change hospice providers?
Medicare can help patients change hospice providers. The process involves obtaining a doctor's order, notifying the current hospice, and selecting a new provider that accepts Medicare.
What are the criteria for hospice transfer from home?
The criteria for hospice transfer from home include a change in the patient's condition, the need for a different level of care, or the family's preference to transition to a different hospice provider.
Is it possible to change hospice providers at any time?
Yes, it is possible to change hospice providers at any time. Patients and their families have the flexibility to transfer to a different hospice provider if they are not satisfied with the current one or if their needs change.
Can I transfer from one hospice to another?
Yes, you can transfer from one hospice to another. The process involves coordinating with the current and new hospice providers to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of care for the patient.
What paperwork is required for a hospice transfer?
The paperwork required for a hospice transfer includes a physician's order, a hospice election form, and any necessary insurance or payer documentation. The process ensures a smooth transition and continuity of care.
Why do hospice companies need to be transferred?
Hospice companies may need to be transferred when a patient's needs or preferences change, or if the current provider is unable to adequately meet the patient's needs. The transfer process ensures continuity of care during this transition.
What are the costs associated with transferring hospice companies?
The costs associated with transferring hospice companies typically include administrative fees, any outstanding balances with the previous provider, and potential changes in coverage or benefits between the two providers.
How do I change hospice providers in my state?
Changing hospice providers in your state involves contacting the new provider, coordinating the transfer of care, and ensuring continuity of services. This process can be facilitated by the new hospice provider to make the transition as smooth as possible.
What are the benefits of changing hospice providers?
Changing hospice providers can allow patients to access different services, care teams, and support that better meet their unique needs and preferences during end-of-life care.
Do I need to notify Medicare during the transfer process?
Yes, you need to notify Medicare during the hospice transfer process to ensure a smooth transition and continued coverage of your hospice care.
What factors influence hospice transfer decisions?
Factors that influence hospice transfer decisions include patient preference, change in medical needs, dissatisfaction with current provider, and the desire for a different level of care or services.
How can I prepare for a hospice transfer?
Preparing for a hospice transfer involves gathering relevant medical records, understanding the transfer process, and communicating with the new hospice provider to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of care.
What documentation is needed for hospice transfer?
To transfer to a new hospice provider, patients will need to provide documentation such as a physician's order, a hospice election statement, and a copy of their current hospice plan of care.
Are there specific timelines for hospice transfers?
The timeline for a hospice transfer can vary, but the process is typically completed within a few business days. The patient's care team will work to ensure a smooth transition to the new hospice provider.
What should I expect during a hospice transfer?
During a hospice transfer, you can expect a smooth transition with continuity of care. The process involves coordinating with the new hospice provider, transferring medical records, and ensuring uninterrupted support for the patient and their family.
How can I find a new hospice provider?
Finding a new hospice provider involves researching options, discussing with your current provider, and assessing factors like location, services, and patient satisfaction to select a provider that best meets your needs.
What support is available during hospice transitions?
During hospice transitions, support is available to ensure a smooth transfer between providers, including assistance with paperwork, coordination of care, and emotional support for the patient and their family.
Can I request a specific hospice provider?
Yes, you can request a specific hospice provider. The hospice team will work with you to ensure the provider you choose can meet your care needs and preferences.
What happens if I change my mind about hospice?
If you change your mind about hospice, you can discontinue the hospice services at any time. The hospice provider will work with you to ensure a smooth transition back to standard medical care.