How do I enroll in hospice care?

The admission process begins when a patient, family member, or healthcare provider requests an evaluation. A hospice nurse or medical director reviews the patient’s condition to confirm eligibility, which requires a prognosis of six months or less if the illness follows its normal course. Once eligibility is verified, our team coordinates with the patient’s physician, completes the necessary documentation, and arranges the start of care.

Enrollment typically occurs within 24–48 hours, and many patients can begin receiving services the same day a referral is made. Urgent admissions are available for patients who require immediate symptom management. Timing may vary based on how quickly medical records are obtained, but our staff works closely with hospitals and physicians to expedite the process.

Medicare, Medicaid, and TriWest generally cover 100% of hospice services for eligible patients. This includes nursing visits, medications related to the terminal diagnosis, medical equipment, supplies, and support from social workers, spiritual counselors, and home health aides. Families do not incur deductibles or copays for covered hospice care.

Patients should consider hospice when curative treatments are no longer effective, symptoms become difficult to control, or quality of life begins to decline. Early enrollment offers more comprehensive support, including better pain management and emotional guidance for both patients and families. Healthcare providers often recommend exploring hospice options as soon as a serious illness starts affecting daily life.

Our hospice team provides enrollment support and patient care throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Ventura County, and Santa Barbara County.