A patient with a life expectancy of five months is worried about using the Medicare Hospice Benefit because of increasing financial concerns. The nurse knows that the benefit includes providing:
a. admission in a clinical trial.
b. durable medical equipment.
c. transportation for radiation treatments.
d. respite care lasting more than seven days.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is b. durable medical equipment.
The Medicare Hospice Benefit provides a range of services that are designed to ease the burden on terminally ill patients and their families, focusing on comfort rather than curative treatments. One of the included services is the provision of durable medical equipment (DME). This is crucial for patients who need assistance with their activities of daily living, such as walkers, wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, and hospital beds.
Medicare’s Hospice Benefit also covers other essential care services, such as nursing care, medical supplies, medications related to the terminal illness, and counseling for the patient and their family. These services aim to enhance the quality of life for patients in their final months by managing symptoms and addressing both physical and emotional needs.
The other options listed are not covered in the same way. For example:
- Admission to a clinical trial is typically not covered under the hospice benefit because hospice care focuses on comfort rather than pursuing experimental treatments.
- Transportation for radiation treatments would not be provided under the hospice benefit if the patient is receiving hospice care, as the goal of hospice is to discontinue curative treatments.
- Respite care is indeed part of the Medicare Hospice Benefit but it is generally limited to a maximum of five days per respite care period. Therefore, it does not last more than seven days.
Hospice care under Medicare is designed to alleviate financial burdens related to the illness, and the inclusion of durable medical equipment helps ensure patients receive the support they need in the home or facility where they are receiving end-of-life care.