Appropriate Hospice Diagnosis

Life expectancy is often difficult to estimate in non-cancer states.

A patient is hospice appropriate if you deem cure no longer possible. Another aspect you may want to consider is caregiver stress and/or ability to care for their loved one appropriately.

Signs & Symptoms

- Frequent Hospitalizations
- Continued Weight Loss
- Repeat or Multiple Infections
- Profound Weakness & Fatigue
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Progressive Decline Despite Curative Treatments
- Increased or Uncontrolled Pain
- Shortness of Breath (Especially with O2 Dependency)
- Uncontrolled Nausea/Vomiting
- Alterations in Mental Status (i.e. Confusion, Withdrawal, Agitation)
- Compromised Skin

Malignancy

Neurologic

Neoplasm - end stage receiving palliative treatment

Cardiovascular

Hypertensive Heart Disease
Hypertensive Renal Disease
Cardiovascular Disease
(includes CHF, Cardiomyopathy)
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Gangrene

Pulmonary

COPD
Emphysema
Pneumonia

Cerebrovascular insufficiency/ CVA
Alzheimer's Disease
Parkinson's Disease
ALS
Multiple Sclerosis
Stroke or Coma

Other

HIV/AIDS
Hepatic Failure
Renal Failure
Colitis
Diabetes
Abnormal Weight Loss
Failure to Thrive
Septicemia
Melanoma
Advanced Scleroderma

Any Patient with a Limited Life Expectancy Can be Evaluated for Hospice Services at No Charge.