How to Start Services
Begin the conversation with your physician and family.
Once the patient receives a diagnosis of a terminal illness (6 months or less to live) you may contact our intake department at 334-756-8043.
The intake department will gather preliminary registration information. A Hospice team member will set up a time and location to meet your loved one and complete the remaining steps to register them for Hospice care.
A Hospice team member will visit the patient and evaluate the patient's condition and symptoms. Once the initial admission visit is completed there will be a plan of care established which includes:
- How many times the patient is seen
- Level of care required
- Services that will be provided
Keep in mind you always have the option of leaving hospice care. Some patients improve to the degree they are able to resume treatment.
What Happens When You Call Us
- A trained Chattahoochee Hospice representative will ask you a few questions about your loved one's condition.
- If you need help contacting the doctor (a doctor's order required for hospice), we will help you.
- We will set up an appointment to meet with you and to have your loved one evaluated for care.
- If hospice is considered appropriate, we will complete the necessary medical and legal paperwork to begin care immediately.
If you're thinking about hospice for yourself or a loved one, or if your doctor has already recommended it, you've come to the right place. See the steps below for the fastest way to get help.
Step 1. Talk to the doctor.
It's never too early to talk to the doctor about hospice. The doctor can help determine if care is appropriate, and, if so, write an order. A doctor's order is required for a patient to receive hospice care.
Step 2. Answer this question:
Have you already talked to the doctor about hospice?
- No, I'm still gathering information.
- Yes, I have a doctor's order and would like to make arrangements for hospice. (Continue to step 3.)
Step 3. Call us.
We recommend that the patient's doctor or other health care professional (such as a nurse or social worker) contact us to refer a patient to hospice. However, if you feel this is an emergency and you can't reach the doctor, please do not hesitate to call us. We're here to help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We can walk you through the process and make all the necessary arrangements, free of charge.
Call 334-756-8043 or 800-770-8043 We're here to help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.