Hospice services received by patient any time during the measurement period
HCPCS code
Name of the Procedure:
Hospice Services
G9692 - Hospice services received by patient any time during the measurement period
Summary
Hospice services provide holistic end-of-life care aimed at enhancing the quality of life for patients with terminal illnesses. These services are customized to meet the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of the patient and their families.
Purpose
Addresses: Terminal illnesses and conditions where curative treatment is no longer effective. Goals: To provide comfort, manage pain and symptoms, and offer emotional and spiritual support to patient and family.
Indications
Symptoms/Conditions: Advanced terminal illnesses such as cancer, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and late-stage neurological disorders. Patient Criteria: Life expectancy of six months or less if the disease follows its usual course; patient and family agreement to focus on comfort care rather than curative treatment.
Preparation
Instructions: Patients and families should discuss goals of care and advanced directives with hospice care providers. No specific physical preparations are needed. Assessments: Medical evaluations to establish eligibility; discussions to create a personalized care plan.
Procedure Description
Hospice services are comprehensive and may include:
- Pain and Symptom Management: Medications and therapies to manage pain and other symptoms.
- Emotional Support: Counseling and support groups for patients and families.
- Spiritual Care: Chaplain services to meet spiritual needs.
- Daily Living Assistance: Help with activities like bathing, dressing, and eating provided by trained aides.
- Respite Care: Temporary relief for primary caregivers.
Tools/Equipment: Medical supplies tailored to patient needs (e.g., hospital bed, oxygen therapy equipment). Anesthesia/Sedation: Not typically required in hospice care but is available for symptom management and comfort.
Duration
Hospice services are ongoing and provided for as long as the patient meets eligibility criteria or opts for this type of care.
Setting
Services can be provided in various settings, including the patient’s home, hospice centers, hospitals, or nursing homes.
Personnel
Involves a multidisciplinary team including:
- Physicians
- Nurses
- Social Workers
- Chaplains/Spiritual Advisors
- Home Health Aides
- Bereavement Counselors
- Trained Volunteers
Risks and Complications
There are few medical risks since the focus is on comfort care. Potential issues may include:
- Miscommunication about patient wishes or care plans.
- Emotional strain on family members.
Benefits
Benefits: Enhanced quality of life, improved symptom control, emotional support, and spiritual peace. Realization: Benefits are often seen immediately as patients receive comfort and care tailored specifically to their needs.
Recovery
Post-care Instructions: Ongoing support services are available for families, including bereavement counseling. Recovery Time: Not applicable as hospice is end-of-life care. Restrictions/Follow-Up: Regularly scheduled visits and 24/7 on-call support are provided.
Alternatives
Alternatives: Curative treatment, palliative care without hospice enrollment, long-term care in a hospital or nursing home. Pros/Cons: Hospice focuses solely on comfort, which may not be an option for those seeking curative treatments. In contrast, palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments but is less intensive in holistic support than hospice.
Patient Experience
Patients might feel relief from symptoms and emotional support. Pain Management: Medications and therapies are tailored to maximize comfort. Comfort Measures: Around-the-clock availability of care and support services to address any needs or concerns.