When Discontinuing Medications is Continuing Compassionate Care
If ever there is a time for compassionate medicine, it is when a patient is nearing the end of life. Unfortunately, when hospice becomes involved in patient care and recommendations…
Tramadol in the Hospice Setting
Tramadol is frequently prescribed for the treatment of pain in the palliative care setting. Various reasons for its popularity include its low cost and ease of prescribing as it is…
Cannabis: Effects, Interactions, and the Hospice Patient
Despite the American Medical Association’s stance that “cannabis is a dangerous drug and as such is a public health concern,” the use of medical cannabis, or medical marijuana, is increasing. …
Cost-Effective Treatment Options for Hepatic Encephalopathy
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is the spectrum of neuropsychiatric abnormalities associated with end stage liver disease. Symptoms range from subtle alterations in mental status to confusion and coma. A severely diseased…
Morphine: What Caregivers Need to Understand
For decades, patients, caregivers, and sometimes even hospice staff have erroneously believed that morphine use hastens death. However, these same people have continued to use morphine believing that the provision…
Flat Hospice Per-Diem Rate Replaced 1/1/16
A Recent Hospice Update Eliminates The 3-Decade Old Per-Diem Rate: Hospices will now be reimbursed a rate that is higher on days 1-60 of a stay ($187.54) and lower thereafter…
Hospice Rates Could Remain Flat in 2017
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission suggested that hospice rates should receive a 0% market basket adjustment for fiscal year 2017
Utah’s CNS Hospice Donates to The Inn Between Homeless Hospice
The Inn Between Homeless Hospice Gets a Helping Hand from CNS Hospice Salt Lake City, UT. Community Nursing Services’ hospice program has made a significant donation to The Inn Between,…
Meridian’s Accent Hospice Donates to Boise Rescue Mission
Boise Rescue Mission Receives a Helping Hand from Meridian’s Accent Hospice Boise, ID. Accent Hospice Care, LLC, has donated hundreds of dollars to the Boise Rescue Mission (BRM) in honor…
Walla Walla Community Hospice Donates to Local YWCA Domestic Violence Program
YWCA Domestic Violence Program Gets a Helping Hand from Walla Walla Community Hospice Walla Walla, WA. Walla Walla Community Hospice (WWCH) has facilitated a substantial donation to the Walla Walla…