When a patient may be ready for hospice, timely guidance matters. iServe Hospice works with physicians, hospitals, case managers, discharge planners, assisted living communities, skilled nursing facilities, and families to help make the referral process clear, responsive, and compassionate.
Our team serves patients and families throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including Dallas, Collin, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Rockwall, and Tarrant counties. We coordinate closely with referral partners to support smooth transitions in care and timely hospice evaluations.
Who Can Refer a Patient
Referrals to hospice may come from many sources, including:
- Physicians and specialists
- Hospitals and health systems
- Case managers and discharge planners
- Skilled nursing and long-term care facilities
- Assisted living communities and group homes
- Home health agencies
- Palliative care providers
- Family members and caregivers
A family can contact us directly to begin the conversation. Our team can help determine next steps and coordinate with the patient’s physician as needed.
When to Refer to Hospice
A hospice referral may be appropriate when a patient has a serious illness, and the focus of care is shifting toward comfort, symptom relief, dignity, and quality of life.
Common referral indicators may include:
- Repeated hospitalizations or emergency room visits
- Progressive decline despite treatment
- Increased weakness, fatigue, or time spent in bed or chair
- Weight loss or reduced intake
- Frequent infections or complications
- Worsening pain, shortness of breath, agitation, or other distressing symptoms
- Advanced dementia with decline in function and communication
- A decision to stop curative treatment and focus on comfort
Hospice eligibility is based on clinical judgment and physician certification, so patients do not need to wait until the very last days of life to be referred. Under Medicare, hospice is generally available when the hospice physician and the patient’s attending physician, if there is one, certify that the patient is terminally ill with a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its normal course.
How the Referral Process Works
- Contact iServe Hospice. Call our team to discuss the patient’s condition, location, and immediate needs. We accept referrals from healthcare professionals, facilities, and families.
- Clinical Review. We review the diagnosis, recent decline, and available clinical documentation to determine whether the patient appears hospice appropriate.
- Coordination With the Physician. Our team coordinates with the attending physician and hospice physician to obtain the required certification and support a smooth admission process. Medicare requires physician certification of terminal illness for hospice eligibility.
- Family Conversation and Consent. We explain hospice services, answer questions, and help the patient or legal representative understand what hospice includes. For Medicare hospice, the patient elects the hospice benefit by signing an election statement.
- Admission and Start of Care. Once eligibility and consent are confirmed, our team coordinates admission and begins hospice services based on the patient’s needs and plan of care.
Information Helpful for a Referral
To help us respond quickly, please have as many of the following as possible:
- Patient name and date of birth
- Current location and anticipated discharge plan
- Primary diagnosis and related conditions
- Referring provider name and contact information
- Recent clinical notes, hospital records, or face sheet
- Insurance information
- Family or responsible party contact information
- Immediate symptom or equipment needs
If you do not have all documentation available, contact us anyway. Our team can help identify what is needed.
Who We Serve
iServe Hospice supports eligible patients in private homes, assisted living communities, skilled nursing facilities, and other care settings throughout North Texas. We care for patients with a range of advanced illnesses, including cancer, dementia, heart disease, pulmonary disease, stroke, liver disease, renal disease, and neurological conditions.
Why Referral Partners Choose iServe Hospice
Referral partners trust iServe Hospice because we focus on communication, compassion, and continuity of care.
With iServe Hospice, you can expect:
- Responsive communication with referral sources and families
- Compassionate hospice education and support
- Coordination with physicians and facility staff
- Individualized plans of care
- A local team serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area
- Ongoing support for patients and caregivers
For Families Asking About Hospice
You do not need to navigate this alone. If you believe your loved one may be ready for hospice, contact iServe Hospice. We can help you understand hospice care, review next steps, and coordinate with the physician and care team.
Request a Hospice Evaluation
To refer a patient or discuss whether hospice may be appropriate, contact iServe Hospice today.
