Hospice Physician

A hospice doctor is part of your medical team. Your regular doctor or a nurse practitioner can also be part of this team as the attending medical professional to supervise your care. However, only your regular doctor (not a nurse practitioner that you’ve chosen to serve as your attending medical professional) and the hospice medical director can certify that you’re terminally ill and have 6 months or less to live.

The hospice benefit allows you and your family to stay together in the comfort of your home unless you need care in an inpatient facility. If the hospice team determines that you need inpatient care, the hospice team will make the arrangements for your stay.