We want to address recent media reports, and research by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), that have shed new light on hospice fraud. While these activities were prevalent in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas, they ultimately cast a dark shadow on those of us who are committed to providing the highest quality hospice and palliative care. Thankfully CMS has implemented a new nationwide strategy for identifying and punishing these imposters. I am optimistic their efforts will reduce the number of fraudulent hospices and protect patients and families. We welcome all efforts to protect the hospice benefit and remove bad actors from end-of-life care.
I encourage everyone to ask the following questions when evaluating a hospice or palliative care provider to assure you are receiving care and services from a provider dedicated to serving those at end of life. For reference, we have provided our information to show our experience, expertise and commitment to the community.
1. How long have you been providing care?
Hospice of Northwest Ohio was the area’s first hospice. Founded in 1981, we are the only local, independent, non-profit agency that dedicates all its resources exclusively to hospice and palliative care.
2. Are you Joint Commission accredited?
Hospice of Northwest Ohio and Sincera (our palliative/comfort care program) are both accredited by the Joint Commission. This requires a rigorous review of every aspect of our care and services; and is achieved only by the most outstanding agencies.
3. How well do you manage pain and other symptoms?
Our pain and symptom management expertise are unmatched in this region. We are committed to helping our patients achieve comfort and improve quality of life. We make every effort to control pain and symptoms within 48 hours of admission to our program.
4. Do you have a freestanding inpatient center?
We have two! Both are designed to meet the unique needs of patients and their families at the end of life. Our Perrysburg and Toledo Centers provide beautiful, home-like environments for patients who require a higher level of care and service, which can no longer be managed in the home setting.
5. Do you provide comprehensive bereavement services and support?
Hospice of Northwest Ohio provides the area’s most comprehensive range of grief support services. These include counseling, support groups and special workshops, which are free and open to anyone in the community. Each grief journey is different, and our plan to support you is individualized to your needs.
6. What about patients who are unable to pay for services?
Medicare, Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans will cover the cost of hospice and palliative care services. As a non-for-profit agency, we receive substantial support from a variety of community sources. We care for everyone who requests our services, regardless of their ability to pay or complexity of care.