When you have a loved one in hospice, it’s natural to be concerned about who will oversee their primary care needs and make important medical decisions. The good news is, an attending physician in hospice plays an essential role in coordinating your loved one’s care, managing their symptoms and helping ensure they remain as comfortable as possible. 

In this article, we’ll help you understand more about the role and responsibilities of a hospice attending physician, so you can enjoy peace of mind and feel more confident about the care your loved one receives. 

If someone you love needs hospice care, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our expert hospice team provides specialized medical, emotional and spiritual support wherever your loved one calls home, while treating you and your family like our very own. We invite you to contact us to learn more and get care. 

What is an Attending Physician in Hospice Care?

A hospice attending physician is the medical provider your loved one chooses to oversee and administer their care while they are receiving hospice services. They may choose their long-time family physician, primary care doctor or another qualified physician. 

The key is that they do not have to give up the relationship they have with their regular doctor because they are enrolled in hospice. Many patients choose to continue working with a physician they already know and trust, which can be beneficial during what may be a challenging time.

Your loved one’s attending physician is part of an interdisciplinary hospice team that may also include:

• Nurses
• Hospice aides
• Social workers
• Chaplains
• A hospice medical director
• Bereavement counselors

Because they are already familiar with your loved one’s medical history, preferences, and goals of care, having an attending physician involved in their treatment while they are in hospice can provide peace of mind and consistency. 

What are the Responsibilities of a Hospice Attending Physician?

The hospice attending physician plays an essential role in managing care for your loved one while working closely with the hospice team. 

One of their primary duties is to serve as the physician of record, overseeing medical decisions, coordinating care and making certain that treatment aligns with your loved one’s wishes and comfort goals. 

Their responsibilities may also include:

• Writing medical orders and prescriptions 
• Approving medication changes 
• Adjusting treatment as your loved one’s condition changes to ensure comfort and quality of life 
• Collaborating with the hospice team to review your loved one’s health status and address ongoing symptoms 
• Providing medical guidance during emergencies or meaningful health changes
• Being available to answer questions and offer guidance and support to families 
• Working with the hospice medical director to confirm your loved one continues to meet  hospice eligibility requirements
• Completing end-of-life documentation

Who Chooses a Hospice Attending Physician?

Typically, your loved one will choose their own hospice attending physician. 

This allows them to maintain a relationship with a trusted doctor they already know and feel comfortable with, which helps provide continuity and aligned care centered on their preferences and care goals. 

Patients often choose their long-time family physician or primary care doctor, or in some cases, a specialist who has been managing their condition. 

If your loved one doesn’t choose an attending physician, the hospice medical director may help oversee and manage their medical care. 

Our caring staff at 3HC are happy to explain the available options and guide you and your family in making the best choice for your loved one. 

It’s important to understand that hospice seeks to support your loved one’s existing care relationships when possible. No matter who serves as attending physician, however, your loved one will receive compassionate, coordinated care focused on their comfort and quality of life.

How Are Attending Physician Services Billed While in Hospice?

Medicare’s hospice benefit typically covers care related to your loved one’s terminal illness, including medications, nursing care and medical equipment associated with their diagnosis. 

Attending physician services function differently. If your loved one’s attending physician is not employed by the hospice organization, the physician may bill Medicare Part B for services provided. Medicare Part A is billed separately for hospice services. 

The good news is that families typically don’t need to manage billing arrangement details. Hospice providers and physician offices work together to handle billing coordination.

If you have concerns about coverage or other details related to your loved one’s care, we encourage you to speak to us. We are happy to clarify how services are billed, what’s covered and what to expect.

3HC Hospice: Comprehensive, Compassionate Care Wherever Your Loved One Calls Home 

A hospice attending physician is an important advocate and medical resource for your loved one throughout their hospice journey. Together with the rest of our dedicated team at 3HC, they help ensure your loved one receives compassionate, personalized care focused on comfort, dignity and quality of life.

If you’re seeking hospice care for a loved one, we encourage you to reach out to our experienced hospice team. We provide specialized medical, emotional and spiritual support wherever your loved one calls home, while treating you and your family like our very own. 

We invite you to contact us to learn more and get care.