Why Refer Earlier
Studies have shown that 85% of Americans want to die at home, and yet 50% of Americans die in the hospital. If you wait to refer the patient until they are hospitalized, the likelihood that the patient will not die at home increases. Patients and families who are coping with a life-limiting illness have practical issues to deal with, including:
- Business decisions
- Advance care planning
- Estates and wills
- Funeral arrangements, etc.
They also need time to have meaningful conversations and relationships with loved ones. The psychosocial and spiritual support provided by the Community Healthcare of Texas programs can be a valuable resource for your patient and their family.
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) Facts and Figures Hospice Care in America report found that the median length of stay for hospice care was only 18 days even though Medicare can cover six months, and more if medically necessary. At the same time, family evaluations of hospice care remain high and often include comments like “I wish we had known about hospice sooner.” An earlier referral to Community Healthcare of Texas makes life easier for you, your patient, and their family.
Benefits of Making an Earlier Referral to Community Healthcare of Texas:
- Intensive pain and symptom management which eliminates or reduces unnecessary hospitalizations/ER visits.
- Medications, DME, and supplies are provided at 100% when related to the terminal diagnosis, making the patient more compliant with their treatment plan.
- Community Healthcare of Texas orders medication refills, which means you and your staff will receive fewer calls and have more time for other patients.
- Family support and education relieve caregiver stress and exhaustion, which decreases demands on your time.
- Your patient and their family can benefit from a full range of programs and services, including 24-hour access to care, psychosocial programs, volunteer services, and grief counseling during illness and up to 13 months after the patient’s death.
- When your patient and their family receive symptom control and emotional and spiritual support, their quality of life improves, as does their satisfaction with all of their medical providers.
If you’re ready to refer a patient to one of our programs, simply call Community Healthcare of Texas at 800.958.4942.
You can also fax a referral form to 800.958.4943. Our Intake Team will reach out to you with any additional questions.