When to Refer

If you believe that a patient with an advanced, progressive illness is likely to die within a year, hospice may be an excellent option.

To begin hospice care, a referring physician and the Montgomery Hospice Medical Director must agree that a patient has a:

Terminal diagnosis
Prognosis up to six months, assuming the disease runs its normal course (Six-month prognoses can be renewed, leading to hospice stays lasting longer than six months.)

CMS urges early referrals of terminally ill patients for hospice care, noting:

Prognoses do not have to be certain, as some end-stage conditions have unpredictable courses
Patients may initially improve in hospice
Patients may be in hospice longer than six months

Patients are eligible for care at Casey House when their comfort needs cannot be met safely and therapeutically at home.

For Health Professionals