Choosing a hospice provider can feel urgent and unfamiliar. A good comparison should focus on whether the provider can serve the patient where they live, how quickly care can begin, what support is available after hours, and how the hospice communicates with the family.
Confirm Medicare approval when Medicare is paying
Medicare hospice benefits generally require care from a Medicare-approved hospice provider. Medicare also provides Care Compare information that families can use alongside direct conversations with providers.
Ask how quickly services can begin
Ask when a nurse can complete the initial assessment, what happens after normal business hours, and how urgent symptom changes are handled. Clarify who the family should call at night or on weekends and what response to expect.
Understand the plan of care
Hospice care may include nursing, physician services, medications related to symptom control, medical equipment, supplies, social work, counseling, aide services, respite care, and other services based on the patient’s needs and eligibility. Ask which services are expected for your situation and who coordinates them.
Questions to compare providers
- Do you currently serve the patient’s home, assisted-living community, or nursing facility?
- How often should we expect nurse visits based on the current condition?
- How are nights, weekends, and urgent symptom changes covered?
- What caregiver education and bereavement support do you provide?
- Which medications, equipment, and supplies are included in the plan of care?
- How do you coordinate with the patient’s regular doctor and facility staff?
- What should we know about respite care or inpatient symptom management?
Use quality data as one input, not the only input
Medicare’s Care Compare data can help families review reported hospice quality information and caregiver feedback. Availability, communication, staffing, and the fit between the care team and the family also matter.
Review Medicare hospice coverage information and Medicare Care Compare.
Browse hospice and advance-care providers, or Request Help to describe what you need once and allow appropriate local providers to contact you. The free checklist can also help organize immediate family tasks.
This article provides general educational information and is not medical advice. Eligibility, coverage, availability, and care plans should be confirmed with the hospice, Medicare or the patient’s licensed healthcare professionals.