Are interdisciplinary team members including spiritual caregivers and social workers available 24-7 if there is a patient or family need?
Is there a full time medical director?
How does the team make sure the primary care physician is kept informed?
Which medications are covered? If the patient has a special need for a medicine, how easy is it to get that drug approved?
How many volunteer hours per patient are provided?
Does the program provide care in all settings – at home, nursing home, hospital, and assisted-living facility?
What special types of programs are available – life review, pet therapy, music therapy, massage, Reiki?
Is a grief support program provided for adults and children? Where do bereavement groups meet? Are counselors licensed?
How does the program ensure that the care plan respects the patient’s and family’s wishes?
How does the interdisciplinary team make sure it meets the patient’s and family’s needs?
Are interpreter services available 24-7?
Is one case manager assigned to each patient and family?
Can the patient still see his/her sub-specialist physician?
Does the program participate in national quality initiatives and benchmarking, including the NHPCO’s (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization)Quality Partners program?
How does the program monitor and improve its quality of care?