Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What is hospice care?

Accepted Answer

Hospice care is a specialized type of medical care focused on providing comfort, dignity, and quality of life for individuals facing a terminal illness. Rather than pursuing curative treatment, hospice focuses on managing pain and symptoms, providing emotional and spiritual support, and helping patients live as fully as possible in their remaining time.

Question 2

Does hospice mean giving up?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. Choosing hospice is an act of love and wisdom. It means choosing quality of life over quantity — prioritizing comfort, dignity, and meaningful time with loved ones. Many families report that hospice gave them more precious time together than they expected, free from the burden of aggressive treatments.

Question 3

What is the difference between hospice and palliative care?

Accepted Answer

Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness alongside curative treatment, focusing on symptom relief and quality of life. Hospice is a specific type of palliative care for patients who have chosen to stop curative treatment and have a prognosis of six months or less. Our PTP Bridge Program helps patients transition seamlessly from palliative care into hospice when the time is right.

Question 4

Where is hospice care provided?

Accepted Answer

Hospice care can be provided wherever the patient calls home — a private residence, an assisted living facility, a residential care home, or a skilled nursing facility. Pacific Hospice brings care directly to the patient, so they can remain in familiar, comfortable surroundings.

Question 5

Who qualifies for hospice care?

Accepted Answer

Patients qualify for hospice care when a physician certifies that they have a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less if the disease runs its normal course. The patient must also choose comfort-focused care over curative treatment. Hospice is appropriate for patients with cancer, heart disease, COPD, dementia, kidney failure, and many other serious conditions.

Question 6

Does my loved one have to have a specific diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

No. Hospice eligibility is not limited to a specific diagnosis. We provide care for a wide range of serious and life-limiting conditions including cancer, stroke, ALS, liver disease, Parkinson's, CHF, COPD, Alzheimer's, ESRD, and many others. If a physician has certified a prognosis of six months or less, your loved one may qualify.

Question 7

How do I refer a patient or loved one to Pacific Hospice?

Accepted Answer

Referrals can be made by calling our team at 210-864-4967 or by completing the contact form on our website. We accept referrals from patients, family members, physicians, hospital discharge planners, social workers, and case managers. Our team will respond promptly to begin the intake process.

Question 8

How quickly can care begin after a referral?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, our team can begin the intake process within 24 hours of a referral. We understand that time is precious, and we work quickly to ensure your loved one receives care as soon as possible.

Question 9

Who pays for hospice care?

Accepted Answer

Hospice care is fully covered with Medicare Part A. The Medicare Hospice Benefit covers virtually all hospice-related services, including nursing visits, medications related to the terminal diagnosis, medical equipment, and support services — at little or no cost to the patient or family.

Question 10

What about Medicare Advantage or supplemental plans?

Accepted Answer

Please consult with our team regarding your specific plan. Many Medicare Advantage and supplemental plans revert coverage back to traditional Medicare Part A once a patient elects hospice. Our staff can help you navigate what applies to your situation and ensure there are no surprises.

Question 11

Are there any out-of-pocket costs for the family?

Accepted Answer

Under the Medicare Hospice Benefit, most services are covered at no cost to the patient or family. There may be small co-pays for certain medications or inpatient respite care, but these are typically minimal. Our team will walk you through any potential costs during the intake process.

Question 12

What support does hospice provide to families?

Accepted Answer

Hospice provides extensive support to families, including caregiver education and training, emotional and spiritual counseling, social work services, respite care to give caregivers a break, and bereavement support for up to 13 months after the patient's passing.

Question 13

Who is on the hospice care team?

Accepted Answer

Our interdisciplinary team includes registered nurses, certified nursing aides, social workers, chaplains, bereavement counselors, and a medical director. Each team member plays a specific role in supporting the patient and family, and care is coordinated so everyone is aligned on the patient's goals and comfort.

Question 14

How often will a nurse visit?

Accepted Answer

Visit frequency is tailored to each patient's needs and can change as the patient's condition changes. Routine home care typically includes regular nursing visits, aide visits for personal care, and as-needed visits for symptom management. Our team is also available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Question 15

Can a patient leave hospice care?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hospice care is always voluntary. A patient may choose to leave hospice at any time — for example, if their condition improves or they decide to pursue curative treatment. They can also return to hospice care if their condition declines again.

Question 16

What is the PTP Bridge Program?

Accepted Answer

Our Palliative-to-Hospice (PTP) Bridge Program provides a seamless, supported transition from palliative care into hospice — so patients and families never feel like they're starting over. When the time is right, our team guides the transition with continuity, compassion, and no gaps in care.

Question 17

What happens if a patient lives longer than six months?

Accepted Answer

Hospice care does not end after six months. If a patient's condition remains terminal and a physician re-certifies the prognosis, hospice care can continue indefinitely. The six-month guideline is for eligibility, not a limit on how long care can be provided.

Understanding Hospice

Eligibility & Enrollment

Coverage & Cost

Care & Services

Transitions & Decisions

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