One of the first things Gateway Hospice will do is contact the patient's physician to make sure they agree that hospice care is appropriate. If needed, we are available to do an in-home consult as well. We have a medical director on staff available to help patients who have no physician. The patient will be asked to sign consent and insurance forms. These are similar to the forms patients sign when they enter a hospital. The "hospice election form" says that the patient understands that the care is palliative (that is, aimed at pain relief and symptom control) rather than curative. It also outlines the services available. The form Medicare patients sign also tells how electing the Medicare hospice benefit affects other Medicare coverage.

For more information call 931-502-3600.