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:
- Find a new hospice that suits your needs.
- Request a transfer form from your existing provider.
- Complete the transfer paperwork (you may request assistance if you need it).
- 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.
