Hospice Services are a medically directed, interdisciplinary program of palliative services for the terminally ill and their families. Hospice emphasizes the control of pain and symptoms by use of a team of professionals, including physicians, nurses, counselors, therapists, aides and volunteers. The majority of hospice services are delivered in the home with inpatient care available as needed.
Hospice services require an initial and ongoing authorization and physician certification. To be reimbursed, the hospice must provide the following core services: nursing, physician,
medical social services, counseling, and home health aide and homemaker services. In addition, if the patient's condition warrants it, durable medical
equipment and supplies, drugs and biologicals and rehabilitation services (for symptom control and maintenance of activities of daily living) may be
provided.