What Qualifies a Patient for Hospice Care?

A doctor can determine if a patient should begin hospice care. Patients must meet the hospice eligibility requirements before entering into hospice care. Some guidelines to consider in order to determine if a patient’s condition is or will soon be appropriate for hospice care are as follows: 

  • Being diagnosed with a terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less
  • Frequent hospitalizations in the past six months
  • Loss of body weight
  • A decrease in tolerance to physical activity
  • A decrease in cognitive ability

Patients of all ages can qualify for hospice care. There are certain requirements that must be met so that the patient can receive benefits from Medicare and be eligible for services. If you are determining whether you or a loved one should enter hospice, then you should discuss with your doctor and your family if hospice is the right option.