Often the patient's family or friends make the first call. Although, a minister, parish nurse, rabbi, friend, or even a next-door neighbor, can make the first call to Hospice.
Before actual admission, the patient's physician must certify that the patient is medically appropriate for hospice care. Hospice will contact the physician to obtain this verification, if the patient desires Hospice care.
Early referrals improve the quality of the patient's life with the above interventions. The patient is more involved in making decisions; this in turn helps the family know that those difficult choices they need to make are what the family member desires. Decisions can be made before it is a moment of crisis.