Read the scenario below to answer the weekly discussion question:
As a healthcare professional in the hospital setting, you consistently encounter patients who are terminal and require hospice but the hospice tells your clinical team that the patient does meet “Medicare Guidelines for Hospice.” Your team informs you that the patient is dying and can no longer stay in the hospital acute care setting. As a patient advocate, you are disappointed but realize Medicare Regulations must be followed.
Fast forward two months and suddenly your father’s health has severely declined and is weeks away from death. Your family wants you to advocate and get “Dad” admitted to hospice. The help is needed! When the hospice nurse assesses your dad, she explains he does not meet the Medicare Guideline for Hospice, therefore the admission to hospice will not take place. You disagree and stress that hospice is needed and your parent is dying. You are frustrated.
Where do you go from here? Two months ago, the same scenario occurred with one of your patients. You were not pleased with the result but accepted the decision. However, this situation has taken a “personal” turn. Discuss your approach to find resolution for your dad’s needed medical care.
You are required to follow the guidelines below when submitting your responses:
A minimum of 350 words
One (1) peer-reviewed source is required
