Physician Knowledge and Beliefs Toward Hospice

Hospice care has existed in the United States for over 20 years yet referral rates to hospice services are still well under the 180 days allowed by the Medicare Hospice Benefit. The average length of stay in El Paso, Texas is 56.8. The aim of this study was to ascertain physician's knowledge and attitudes towards hospice referral. Issues addressed were: Physician's knowledge of patient's eligibility criteria and perception of the type of services provided by hospice. Furthermore, there was a discussion of physician's perceptions of possible barriers to hospice referrals and how those perceptions differ between physicians who refer to those who do not refer. The analysis may shed some light on how hospice providers may collaborate with physicians to provide optimum care for patients and their families.