At Proactive Hospice Care, we often hear from families who say, “I wish we had called you months ago.” The most common reason for the delay? A belief that you have to wait for your Primary Care Physician (PCP) to “order” hospice or bring it up first. Many patients assume that if their doctor hasn’t mentioned it, they aren’t “ready” yet.
The truth is: You are the lead advocate for your own health. If you have decided that curative treatments are no longer providing the quality of life you deserve, you have the right to seek comfort care immediately. Here is how you can take the lead without waiting for a doctor’s recommendation.
1. The Power of the “Self-Referral”
In Michigan, you do not need a doctor’s script just to call a hospice agency. Anyone—the patient, a spouse, a child, or even a friend—can contact Proactive Hospice Care directly to request an evaluation.
If you feel that treatments are becoming more burdensome than the illness itself, or if you are tired of frequent hospital visits, you can simply call us. You don’t need “permission” to ask for help.
2. Request a No-Cost Comfort Assessment
When you call us, we don’t just send paperwork; we send a person. We provide a no-obligation assessment where a nurse can come to your home in Shelby Township, or anywhere in the Tri-County area, to:
- Discuss your goals and current symptoms.
- Explain how hospice can support your specific diagnosis.
- Determine if you meet the clinical criteria for hospice care.
3. Let Us Handle the “Doctor Talk”
While Medicare and insurance require a physician to certify that a patient is eligible for hospice, you don’t have to be the one to bridge that gap.
Once you decide you want to move forward with Proactive Hospice Care:
- We contact your PCP for you. We share our clinical findings and handle the coordination of medical records.
- Our Medical Director steps in. If you do not have a regular doctor or if your doctor is unavailable, our own Hospice Medical Director can review your case to certify eligibility.
4. Why “Proactive” Care Matters
Starting hospice “early” (when a prognosis is roughly six months or less) isn’t giving up—it’s choosing a different kind of support. By taking the lead now, you gain immediate access to:
- Medical Equipment: Hospital beds, oxygen, and mobility aids delivered to your door.
- Medication Management: We cover and deliver medications related to comfort and pain relief.
- 24/7 Support: You no longer have to wait for a return call from a busy doctor’s office. Our nurses are available around the clock for our families in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties.
A Note to Our Neighbors in Southeast Michigan
Hospice is a choice, not a last resort. If you live in Shelby Township or the surrounding counties and feel that the “curative” path is no longer the right one, let us help you find a path of peace and dignity.
Take the first step today. You don’t need a referral—you just need to reach out.
Contact Proactive Hospice Care
Located in Shelby Township, we are proud to serve families throughout Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne County.
(586) 737 – 7163