Calls for Reform to the U.S. Hospice System

The purpose of this paper is to provide a historical perspective of the hospice system within the U.S. In addition, this paper discusses current trends within the U.S. hospice system and provides a platform for discussion about the future of the system in terms of policy standards. The more than 30 ...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ageing international 2012-06, Vol.37 (2), p.228-237
Main Authors: Noe, Kelly, Smith, Pamela C., Younis, Mustafa
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accountability
Aging
American history
Beneficiaries
Costs
Data collection
Funding
Global health
Health care expenditures
Health care industry
Health care policy
Historical Development
Hospice care
Hospices
Long Term Care
Medicare
Palliative care
Patients
Payment systems
Payments
Quality of Health Care
Quality standards
Reform
Reimbursement
Social Sciences
Studies
Trends
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Summary:The purpose of this paper is to provide a historical perspective of the hospice system within the U.S. In addition, this paper discusses current trends within the U.S. hospice system and provides a platform for discussion about the future of the system in terms of policy standards. The more than 30 year history of hospice in the U.S. has experienced many changes. Originally organized as nonprofit entities, hospices became Medicare funded in the 1980’s and has seen substantial growth in the number of for-profit entities. Hospice has moved from being seen as a “place to go die” to being viewed as a viable option for long-term care near the end of life. Changes in the hospice payment system from a per diem reimbursement system and calls for quality measures are at the forefront of the current system and the major issues that the system faces in the future.
ISSN:0163-5158
1936-606X
DOI:10.1007/s12126-010-9106-8