Referrals

Referrals may be made to Hospice of West Alabama by anyone at any time by phone, fax, or online. Once a referral is received, we will contact the doctor for medical history, diagnosis, prognosis, and order for hospice care. Then, someone from our clinical staff will schedule a time to visit the patient/family to get more information and talk about services. After a patient is admitted, we will begin developing a plan of care based on the nursing and social work assessments.

Options For Making A Referral

Talking To Patients About Hospice

  • Be prepared by confirming medical facts and providing an appropriate environment.
  • Determine (in advance) how the patient and family want to receive information.
  • Establish what the patient and family know about their condition by using open-ended questions.
  • Deliver the information in a straightforward manner.
  • Respond to emotions of the patient and family.
  • Establish goals for care and treatment options when possible.
  • Formulate an overall plan with the patient.
  • Provide resources that allow them to make an informed decision, like medicare.gov/care-compare