Can a Hospice Patient Go to the Emergency Room?

Entering hospice care is often a difficult choice for families. It comes with lots of questions, not the least of which being whether a hospice patient can still go to the hospital in a medical emergency. Given that hospice patients choose to forego curative treatment, many families worry that their loved one cannot get treatment for new, sudden conditions. This is usually not the case, but the answer is nuanced and depends on each patient’s circumstances. Here’s what you need to know about hospice and emergency room use.

Seeking Medical Care Outside of Hospice

So, can a hospice patient go to the emergency room? The short answer is yes. Hospice patients retain the right to seek emergency medical care whenever they feel it’s necessary. No one can prevent a hospice patient from visiting an emergency room if they choose to do so. However, if you decide to take your loved one to the ER, you’ll need to consider things like insurance coverage and care goals.

In general, insurance providers will cover emergency room visits as long as they address comfort care needs related to the patient’s terminal diagnosis. They may also be covered if the hospice patient needs treatment for a condition unrelated to the terminal illness. Keep in mind that ER visits aimed at curative treatment may conflict with hospice coverage.

Situations That May Warrant ER Visits

Let’s get more specific about when you might find a hospice patient in the emergency room. Sometimes, these circumstances warrant an ER visit:

Uncontrolled Pain — Unmanageable symptoms are the most common reason for an ER trip. If current medications aren’t controlling severe symptoms like pain, nausea, or breathing difficulties, the ER could be helpful.
Accidents or Injuries — Accidents happen, and if your loved one is injured unrelated to their illness, they may need emergency care. A fall resulting in a broken bone, for instance, requires immediate attention regardless of hospice status.
Acute Medical Issues—Severe infections, dangerous medication reactions, or sudden complications that cause significant pain could require immediate medical attention, especially when the patient’s comfort is in jeopardy.
Family Distress—As your loved one’s caregiver, you might feel overwhelmed by their symptoms. When you don’t know what to do, emergency care can provide the reassurance and support you need.

What Happens If a Hospice Patient Goes to the ER?

When a hospice patient arrives at an emergency room, several things typically occur. First, medical staff will assess the patient’s immediate needs, stabilize them, and offer comfort measures. The hospital team will usually contact the patient’s hospice provider to coordinate care and discuss the situation. This communication helps ensure that any treatments align with the patient’s established care goals and hospice plan. Should any recommended treatments conflict with hospice, the ER staff will discuss options with the patients (if possible) and their family.

Steps to Take Before Heading to the ER

Before rushing to the emergency room, it’s helpful to take a few steps to save yourself stress later. However, this is contingent on your loved one’s condition—if you feel they need immediate care, don’t wait. In less urgent cases, try to do the following before heading to the ER:

Contact your hospice team and decide whether 24/7 on-call services will suffice.
Gather documents like the hospice patient’s care plan, medication list, and advance directives.
When you arrive at the ER, inform the medical staff that the patient is in hospice care.

Finances and Patient Rights: Other Factors to Consider

Can a hospice patient go to the hospital? Yes, but the decision is complex. In addition to making the right choice for your loved one’s care, you’ll want to consider the following before visiting the ER:

Insurance Coverage—Most plans cover ER visits when they address comfort care needs related to the hospice diagnosis, but unrelated emergency treatments might also be covered. However, if the ER provides treatments aimed at curing the terminal condition, insurance may not pay for them.
Patient Rights—Hospice patients maintain full autonomy over their medical decisions, including the right to seek emergency care. Choosing hospice doesn’t mean giving up control over healthcare choices, and patients can modify their care approach at any time.

Making Informed Decisions About Emergency Care

Hospice care and emergency room visits aren’t mutually exclusive options. Your loved one has every right to visit the ER if they wish, but it’s important to understand the implications of such a visit. At Agape Hospice NW, we’re here to help guide you through the hospice experience. If you have questions about taking your loved one in hospice to the ER in Portland, OR, reach out to our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will going to the ER terminate hospice care?

No, simply visiting the emergency room won’t terminate hospice care. However, if you receive treatments that conflict with hospice philosophy, you might need to temporarily revoke benefits.

What if my hospice provider disagrees with the ER visit?

Hospice providers cannot prevent you from seeking emergency care. They may discuss the decision with you or your loved one, but the ultimate choice is yours.

Can I return to hospice after receiving curative treatment in the ER?

Yes, patients can re-enroll in hospice care after receiving non-hospice treatments, provided they still meet eligibility requirements.

Should I call the hospice team before going to the ER?

When possible, yes. We provide 24/7 support and can often address urgent issues without requiring an ER visit.