When a friend or family member inquires about hospice, the hospice will call back to determine whether the patient is ready to set an appointment for an evaluation. VITAS is always available to return phone calls, no matter the time of day or night.

A hospice team member meets with the patient and the family to discuss clinical criteria, the hospice philosophy, services available and the patient’s and family’s expectations. In the conversation, the admissions nurse will cover pain and comfort levels, support systems, financial and insurance resources, medications and equipment needs. If the patient is evaluated and found to be hospice eligible and the family agrees, VITAS works with the patient’s physician to obtain a referral letter and the patient is admitted.

The hospice team then communicates with the patient’s physician and the hospice physician to discuss medical history, current physical symptoms and life expectancy. The hospice team develops an individualized plan of care designed to meet the needs of the patient and the family. The plan is reviewed regularly and revised based on the patient’s condition.

Provided by VITAS Innovative Hospice Care® of the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information call 1.800.337.2058 or go to VitasBayArea.com.

Posted: February 2013