Ask your doctor about hospice; ask hospice about your doctor

Originally published in the Lincoln Tribune, Mar. 11, 2008

Q: Can I call hospice if I haven't talked to my doctor about it?

A: Yes. Maybe you wanted to ask the doctor, but you were afraid. Maybe you thought about it after you got home from your last appointment. Or maybe your doctor is hesitant to ask you. Whether you had the conversation with your doctor or not, hospices welcome the chance to talk to you.

Doctor's visits can be overwhelming, especially if you have a serious illness. First you get your height checked, then your weight, then blood pressure, then temperature, from one thing to the next. It's a lot of activity—and you're already not feeling so good, that's why you're there! By the time the doctor comes, you may not remember everything you wanted to ask. Hospice can help fill that gap.

Most hospices have a nurse or social worker who can help answer your questions. (You can usually get someone on the phone by asking for the Admissions department.) You might want to write your questions down so you don't forget them during the phone call. When you have a serious illness—cancer, heart failure, lung disease, etc.—you need all the answers you can get! A hospice professional can give you a compassionate, objective view of your situation and what might be best.

The hospice can also call your doctor and take care of the conversation—and the paperwork!—for you. It's not unusual for a hospice to call your doctor for an order, instead of your doc calling the hospice with a referral.

Next week, we'll look at how hospices help people find new hope during the most difficult of times. And if you have questions about how hospice might help yourself or a loved one, please write me! Send your questions to asklinda@pchcv.org.