For Patients & Families
Accord is dedicated to the human spirit – helping patients and families cross a road they may have never faced before. We provide the courage to see the beauty in this last journey and give the expertise that provides the comfort, care & support needed for each step of the way.
Why Choose Accord Hospice?
At Accord Hospice, we believe a in a higher level of quality care and concern for our patients. Our approach is individualized, comprehensive and family-centered. Our commitment to excellence is rooted in our passion for tailoring solutions to meet the unique needs of each of our patients. At Accord, we see hospice as an opportunity to improve quality of life, alleviate pain and provide care with the utmost regard and highest level of care.
How a Decision Is Made
Hospice care is usually considered when the diagnosis of a terminal illness is first made, or when there is a significant change in the condition of a person with an existing illness. Any of these events can prompt the patient’s doctor to make a referral for hospice services. It’s not always a doctor or nurse who suggests hospice. Sometimes it’s a friend or family member. Either way, a doctor will evaluate the patient to determine if hospice care is appropriate.
Making The Decision
When should a decision about entering a hospice program be made and who should make it?
At any time during a life-limiting illness, it’s appropriate to discuss all of a patient’s care options, including hospice. By law, the decision belongs to the patient. Understandably, most people are uncomfortable with the idea of stopping aggressive efforts to “beat” the disease. Hospice staff members are highly sensitive to these concerns and are always available to discuss them with the patient and family.
Should I wait for our physician to raise the possibility of hospice, or should I raise it first?
The patient and family should feel free to discuss hospice care at any time with their physician, other health care professionals, clergy or friends.
What if our physician doesn’t know about hospice?
Accord staff is available 24/7 for any questions regarding hospice, our services and your concerns - (847) 780 - 4594.
Most physicians know about hospice. If your physician wants more information about hospice, additional information is always available from us and it is also available from the National Council of Hospice Professionals Physician Section, medical societies or state hospice organizations. In addition, physicians and all others can obtain information on hospice from the American Cancer Society, the American Association of Retired Persons, and the Social Security Administration.
What does the hospice admission process involve?
One of the first things Accord will do is contact the patient’s physician to make sure he or she agrees that hospice care is appropriate for this patient at this time. Accord has medical staff available to help patients who have no physician. Accord staff will guide the patient and family through all available services and help complete the required forms as outlined by the Medicare hospice benefit.
The so-called “hospice election form” says that the patient understands that the care is palliative (that is, aimed at pain relief and symptom control) rather than curative. It also outlines the services available. The form Medicare patients sign also tells how electing the Medicare hospice benefit affects other Medicare coverage.
Is caring for the patient at home the only place hospice care can be delivered?
No, hospice patients may receive care wherever they reside, including their personal residence, skilled nursing facility or assisted living residence.
Is Accord affiliated with any religious organization?
No, chaplains are available in a variety of different religions and denominations to serve each patient’s belief system. Regardless of religious beliefs, spiritual and emotional support from our chaplain services are offered and can help restore dignity, hope, purpose and meaning as patients reflect over their life.
Is there any special equipment or changes I have to make in my home before hospice care begins?
Your Accord team will work with you to ready your home and if necessary, will arrange for all necessary equipment to be delivered and installed in your home. Hospice care is billed directly to Medicare, Medicaid, and/or private insurance companies and Accord receives payment directly from them. Medications, supplies, and equipment related to the hospice diagnosis are covered at 100%.
What specific assistance does hospice provide patients?
Hospice patients are cared for by a team of physicians, nurses, social workers, hospice-certified nursing assistants, chaplains, and volunteers, and each provides assistance based on his or her own area of expertise. In addition, hospices provide medications, supplies, equipment, and hospital services, related to the terminal illness.
Patient Departures
Can a hospice patient who shows signs of recovery be returned to regular medical treatment?
Certainly. If the patient’s condition improves and the disease seems to be in remission, patients can be discharged from hospice and return to aggressive therapy or their daily life. Previously discharged patients can return to hospice care if their condition changes.
Patient Medications
How does hospice “manage pain”?
Hospice nurses and doctors are up to date on the latest medications and devices for pain and symptom relief. In addition, we can assist patients to be as mobile and self-sufficient as possible. Finally, various counselors, including clergy, are available to assist family members as well as patients.
Will medications prevent the patient from being able to talk or know what’s happening?
It is the goal of hospice to have the patient as pain free and alert as possible. By constantly consulting with the patient, Accord has been very successful in reaching this goal.
Paying for Care
Is hospice care covered by insurance?
Hospice coverage is widely available. It is provided by Medicare nationwide, by Medicaid in 41 states, and by most private insurance providers.
If the patient is eligible for Medicare, will there be any additional expense to be paid?
Medicare covers all services and supplies related to the hospice diagnosis. All approved services by Accord Hospice are offered with absolutely no cost to the family.
What Hospice Costs
Hospice care is paid for in a variety of ways. Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurers cover hospice-related services at 100%, typically without any deductibles or copays.
If a patient comes to Accord Hospice in need of hospice or palliative care but does not have coverage, we will help that patient obtain coverage. The types of insurance plans that cover hospice are listed below.
Medicare
Medicare Part A covers most hospice services for eligible beneficiaries.
Medicaid
In most states, hospice care is covered by Medicaid.
Private Insurance
Most insurance plans issued by employers and the military, as well as many managed care plans, cover hospice. Benefits may vary by plan.
What You Should Know About the Cost of Accord Hospice
- Accord Hospice Care is Medicare-certified.
This means that Accord hospice services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, military health plans and most private insurance companies. - Accord provides hospice services, regardless of ability to pay.
We are dedicated to helping patients obtain coverage for hospice or palliative care when needed. - Accord Hospice does not charge copays for prescription drugs or inpatient respite care services related to hospice or palliative care.
- Accord Hospice does the paperwork for you.
We make it simple. We bill insurers directly, eliminating the need for patients to file claims or other paperwork for care related to the terminal illness.
Talking with the Doctor
It’s not always easy to know if hospice or palliative care is appropriate for your loved one. There are some signs you can be looking for, though. You may want to talk with the doctor if any or all of the following are present:
- A physician has informed the patient that he or she has a life-limiting illness.
- The patient's general health continues to decline, in spite of the curative treatments he or she is receiving.
- The patient is in and out of the hospital frequently.
- Repeat or multiple infections are occurring, causing additional challenges to a patient's health status.
- Increased or uncontrolled pain or anxiety is impacting quality of life.
- Weakness, fatigue or shortness of breath is dramatically limiting a patient's mobility.
- The patient is unable to live independently or manage daily tasks on his or her own.
- The patient's changing mental awareness requires close observation and support.
(847) 780 - 4594
Fax (847) 574-0440
info@accordhospice.com
