How to Start Hospice or Palliative Care
Starting hospice or palliative care is easier than most families expect. Whether you are a family member, a physician, or a hospital discharge planner, our care coordinators will guide you through every step of the process.
For Families: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Contact Us
Call Pinnacle at 1.866.933.6221 or submit an inquiry through our website. Our educational liaison will answer your initial questions and begin the administrative process. You do not need a doctor's referral to contact us — anyone can call.
Step 2: Physician Confirmation
Upon patient or representative consent, our admissions team will contact the attending physician to confirm hospice or palliative care is appropriate. The physician must certify that the patient has a terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less for hospice care. For palliative care, a terminal diagnosis is not required.
Step 3: Consent
The patient or their authorized representative signs a consent form to receive services. For hospice, this form explains that care is focused on comfort and symptom control rather than curative treatments. The patient retains the right to revoke hospice at any time.
Step 4: Assessment & Care Plan
Our admissions nurse care coordinator schedules an appointment to meet with the patient and family to assess needs and discuss care goals. A personalized care plan is created based on the patient's specific condition, symptoms, and the family's wishes.
Step 5: Care Begins
Pinnacle's interdisciplinary team begins providing care, including scheduled nursing visits, medication management, equipment delivery, and all support services. Our team is available 24/7 from day one.
For Physicians and Hospital Staff
We make the referral process simple for healthcare professionals:
- Phone: Call 1.866.933.6221 to speak directly with our admissions team
- Fax: Send referral information to our office (Pittsburgh: 724.933.6225, Altoona: 814.201.2364, Harrisburg: 717.761.1580)
- Email: hospicereferral@pinnaclepalliativecare.com
Our admissions team responds to referrals promptly and will coordinate with your office to ensure a smooth transition of care.
Hospice Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for hospice care under Medicare, a patient must:
- Be eligible for Medicare Part A
- Be terminally ill with a life expectancy of six months or less (if the disease runs its normal course)
- Have the terminal illness confirmed by the attending physician and the hospice Medical Director
- Meet criteria related to their terminal diagnosis
- Be willing to sign an election statement for palliative (not curative) care
- Live within Pinnacle's service area
What to Have Ready
- A list of all medications, dosage and frequency
- Insurance cards including Medicare and Medicaid cards
- Copies of advance directives (Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, DNR orders)
- List of current in-home medical equipment and suppliers
- List of current in-home agency staff
Not Ready Yet? That's OK.
You may call Pinnacle at any time, even if you are in your research phase. Our professional staff will answer any questions you may have and help you understand your options. The sooner you prepare for palliative or hospice care, the more informed you will be when the time comes.