 | Dorothy McPherson is the Executive Director at Progressive Home Health & Hospice which has been in operation here in Wichita since 1995. Progressive Home Health & Hospice is licensed in the State of Kansas and is also certified as Medicare, Medicaid, Champus, Blue Cross Blue Shield and PPK Provider. Dorothy is a Registered Nurse with over 18 years of nursing and business experience. Progressive Home Health & Hospice is located at 3500 N. Rock Road, Building 400, Wichita, Kansas or their phone is (316) 691-5050. Email Dorothy @progressivecare.com or visit our web site at www.progressivecare.com |
Hospice
2006-03-01 10:52:00
What happens to my doctor?
QUESTION: Where does the primary doctor go after Hospice enrollment?
ANSWER: First it starts with identifying the need for hospice care. The primary physician is the one who would refer to hospice after discussing the needs with the patient and family. The referral is then sent to the Hospice of choice. The Hospice nurse then contacts the patient and an evaluation is performed to determine whether hospice is appropriate. During the evaluation the nurse will explain more into detail what hospice is about and what services it can provide. If a decision is reached to admit into hospice the primary physician is notified. The Hospice Medical director plays a big role in the patients care but will keep the primary physician abreast of what is going on. Hospice team which includes a nurse, chaplain, social worker, pharmacist, dietician, home health aides, volunteers, and bereavement counselors will meet every two weeks to evaluate the care being provided. The team utilizes a tool called the care plan to lay out what each discipline will do for each problem identified. Any changes in status like medication changes, decline in physical conditions and family concerns are discussed and shared with the primary physician. This care plan has all of the care the patient is receiving. The Hospice medical director and team will discuss any new situation that arises and all the changes that are made are documented in the care plan which is then sent to the primary physician for a signature. This ensures that the communication between the primary physician and hospice staff is accomplished. Further on into hospice care, primary physician and the hospice medical director may decide with the patient’s permission and the family to have the hospice team and medical director take over care completely. This is especially necessary when comfort care and continuous visitation is required to keep the patient comfortable and to help the family cope. In this case the hospice team will still notify the primary of any changes. In case of an emergency the hospice team can still contact your primary if needed. Remember, the goal of the hospice team is to provide the best support and care to the patient and the family utilizing all the resources available to them including the primary physician.
