Admission to Hospice

When patients can no longer benefit from curative treatment and life expectancy is estimated to be six months or less; the patient, his/her family, and the doctor decide when hospice services should begin.

After an initial consultation with physicians; hospice staff meets both the patient and his/her family. They discuss the hospice philosophy, available services, and current physical symptoms. They also discuss the patient's pain and comfort levels, support systems, financial matters, medications, and needed equipment. Once these topics are addressed, a "plan of care" is developed for the patient. This plan may change as it is regularly reviewed and revised according to the condition of the patient.

There are patients who may "graduate" from hospice if their physical condition improves or the disease goes into remission, or the patient chooses to return to active treatment. Hospice care can be resumed at a later time if necessary.

Admission Criteria

Patient is under the care of a local physician

Patient has an expected limited life span

Patient, family and patient's physician must agree to the referral to Hospice and share a    common understanding and expectation of hospice care.

Patient must be in a safe environment for 24hrs a day. This caregiving support is provided by    the family or friends. It is not done by Hospice.

Patient must live within the Intermountain area.

Intermountain Hospice does not discriminate in the provision of services due to race, color, national origin, disability or age It is the practice and policy of Intermountain Hospice to provide services to any and all persons who meet the admission criteria without regard to the nature of the illness. (Title VI, Civil Rights Act; Section 504, Rehabilitation Act, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975)

Insurance Coverage