What services does hospice pay for?
Benton Hospice Service provides and pays for
- Visits by professional staff and volunteers
Nurse, social worker, PT, OT, SLT, massage therapist, acupuncturist, chaplain, bereavement counselor, and trained volunteers - Medications related to the terminal illness: prescriptions and over the counter drugs needed to relieve pain and other symptoms, including parenteral opioids, if necessary
- Equipment and supplies: adjustable beds, commodes, oxygen, wheelchairs, Lifeline—whatever the patient needs to be safe and comfortable
- Five-day respite care or hospitalization if necessary for control of symptoms
While the procedures and treatments listed below are not typical for hospice patients, occasionally they are appropriate for palliative care. Benton Hospice may pay for them when they are ordered in consultation with our Medical Director and are important to a patient's comfort.
- Tests: MRI and CT scans, routine blood work
- Palliative: radiation therapy, chemotherapy, injectable medications other than opioids
- Procedures: transfusions, invasive or surgical procedures (e.g., thoracentesis)
- Hospitalization: for elective procedures or ambulance transport
- Tube Feedings
Benton Hospice Service and you, the referring physician, share responsibility for each patient's care. Prior to ordering these or similar interventions, please involve hospice. Benton Hospice Service determines appropriateness and approves payments on a case-by-case basis.