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Hospice Referrals for Healthcare Providers

Compassionate, Physician-Led Hospice Care in Glendale and the Greater Phoenix Valley

A Trusted Partner in Patient Care

Neighborhood Hospice partners with physicians, discharge planners, medical assistants, and other healthcare professionals to support patients who may benefit from hospice care. Our physician-led approach emphasizes comfort, dignity, clear communication, and personalized support for patients and their families.

 

We strive to make the referral process straightforward and responsive. Our team can answer questions about hospice eligibility, discuss potential referrals, and help providers understand the next steps for their patients.

Why Healthcare Professionals Choose
Neighborhood Hospice

Physician-Led Care

Neighborhood Hospice takes a physician-led approach to hospice care. Dr. A. Collins Villamor, Medical Director, is involved in evaluating referred patients and helping guide care in collaboration with the hospice team.

Our goal is to support individualized care that reflects each patient's medical needs, comfort, and goals.

Education Before Enrollment

Patients, families, and referring providers deserve clear information about hospice care and the options available. Our team helps answer questions about the hospice benefit, the evaluation process, and what families can expect.

We aim to ensure patients and families have the information they need to make informed decisions without feeling rushed or pressured.

Collaborative Care

Neighborhood Hospice values communication and collaboration with referring physicians, specialists, hospitals, case managers, and facility staff.

Our approach emphasizes:

  • Responsive communication

  • Timely review of referral requests

  • Coordination with the patient's care team

  • Respect for the patient's goals and existing clinical relationships

Medicare Hospice Eligibility

Medicare covers hospice care for eligible beneficiaries who meet the program's requirements, including:

  • Enrollment in Medicare Part A.

  • Certification by the appropriate physician or physicians that the patient is terminally ill, with a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness follows its normal course.

  • An election to receive hospice care under the Medicare hospice benefit and agreement to the applicable conditions of coverage.

 

Hospice eligibility is based on the patient's medical condition and applicable Medicare requirements. If a patient lives longer than six months, hospice care may continue when the required recertifications confirm that the patient remains eligible.

 

Physician Evaluation and Care Coordination

 

At Neighborhood Hospice, referred patients receive an evaluation to help determine whether hospice care is appropriate for their medical condition, needs, and goals. Dr. A. Collins Villamor, Medical Director, and the hospice team work with referring healthcare professionals to support an informed, coordinated transition to hospice when appropriate.

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We value clear communication with referring providers and strive to provide timely guidance throughout the referral and evaluation process while respecting each patient's wishes and care plan.

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Who We Partner With

Neighborhood Hospice collaborates with healthcare professionals and care organizations to help identify patients who may benefit from hospice care, including:

 

  • Primary Care Physicians

  • Oncology Practices

  • Nephrology Practices

  • Hospitalists

  • Hospital Discharge Planners

  • Case Managers and Social Workers

  • Home Health Agencies

  • Skilled Nursing Facilities

  • Memory Care Communities

Is Your Patient Ready For Hospice?

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When Should You Consider Hospice?  

Hospice may be appropriate for patients with a serious, life-limiting illness who are experiencing changes such as: 

  • Frequent hospital admissions

  • Progressive decline in function

  • Significant, unintentional weight loss

  • Advanced cancer

  • End-stage heart failure

  • ​Advanced COPD

  • End-stage renal disease

  • Advanced dementia

  • Progressive neurological disease​

  • Patients choosing comfort-focused care

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These signs do not establish eligibility on their own. A clinical evaluation is needed to determine whether hospice may be appropriate for the individual patient. 
If you have questions about a potential referral, our team can discuss the evaluation process and next steps with you. 

We're Here to Help With Your Referral

Have questions about a potential hospice referral or a patient's eligibility? The Neighborhood Hospice team is available to discuss the referral process, answer questions, and help you understand the next steps. Call us to discuss your patient's needs and arrange an evaluation when appropriate.

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