Early referral greatly enhances the effectiveness of the Hospice of the Piedmont team by providing ample time to address both the physical needs of the patient and the practical, emotional and spiritual needs of the entire family. Consistently we hear the comment from patients and families, "I wish we had known about hospice much sooner."

To facilitate the transfer to Hospice of the Piedmont, our patient care coordinators and admissions nurse work closely with the referring physician and staff. Hospice of the Piedmont is also available to talk with terminally ill persons and families about hospice and the services available. To facilitate continuity of care, at the request of referring physicians, Hospice of the Piedmont staff can visit the patient at the hospital to admit them to hospice prior to discharge from the hospital.

Once a patient is admitted to Hospice of the Piedmont, the hospice medical director, a fully licensed physician specially trained in end-of-life care and pain management, can coordinate with the referring physician as desired to determine the most cost effective pain and symptom management program.

To enhance continuity of care, Hospice of the Piedmont encourages physicians to oversee their patient's hospice care. The attending physician is eligible for Medicare reimbursement related to care plan oversight and bills for services as usual; develops the plan of care and approves updates; attends hospice team meetings, if desired; and may request the Hospice of the Piedmont medical director offer professional consultation. Only the attending physician and Hospice may bill Medicare for services relating to the terminal illness.