As the elderly population increases along with chronic and age-related diseases, the hospice industry is projected to expand over the next few years. In surveys performed by AARP and others, it’s not surprising to find that most adults have a preference to age in place as long as possible. Earlier this year, MedPAC reported a…
As the elderly population increases along with chronic and age-related diseases, the hospice industry is projected to expand over the next few years. In surveys performed by AARP and others, it’s not surprising to find that most adults have a preference to age in place as long as possible. Earlier this year, MedPAC reported a record high increase of hospice services usage greater than 50% in 2019. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHCPO) reports, in their 2020 Facts and Figures publication, that cancer, heart disease, and dementia continue to be the top three diagnoses of hospice patients. Despite this increased use, the number of Medicare certified hospice organizations at 4639 lag significantly behind their home health counterparts at 11,157 according to CMS. Individuals seeking to become Medicare certified for hospice services have a several options—licensure and certification through your state agency or accreditation by ACHC, CHAP, or JCAHO.
