Hospice Levels of Care

Hospice services are generally reimbursed by Medicare and most insurance carriers. Gateway Hospice remains committed to meeting the needs of any hospice-appropriate patient regardless of their ability to pay.

Routine

Under routine care, visits by the hospice team are provided and based on the needs of the individual and family. This includes medications, supplies, and medical equipment related to the hospice diagnosis. The frequency of hospice visits and its support services provided will vary depending on the end-of-life needs of the patient and family. Routine care is provided in private homes, extended care facilities and nursing facilities.

Inpatient

Inpatient care is designed for short term clinical management of pain and other symptoms in an appropriately licensed hospital or skilled nursing facility. All hospice services, including room and board, are covered by medicare. Generally, the length of stay averages 5 days with appropriate review of symptom management daily.

Respite

Respite care is designed to provide caregivers relief and time for their own care and rest. It includes five covered days for the patient in a licensed skilled nursing facility.

Continuous Care

Continuous care provides a minimum of eight hours of hospice care per 24 hours during a medical crisis. The need for continuous care is reassessed on an ongoing basis by the hospice team to ensure that immediate clinical needs are addressed.