A Philosophy of Compassion

GIP is a higher level of care ordered by a physician when pain or other symptoms cannot be relieved in the patient’s home. It consists of intensive around-the-clock medical, nursing and psychosocial care, similar to an acute hospital or intensive care unit stay and is intended to be short-term with the goal of managing symptoms so the patient can return home with hospice care. At Hospice of Marion County, this level of care is typically provided at one of our Hospice Houses. While receiving GIP care, all charges, including room and board, are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and many private health insurance plans.

This care is ordered by a hospice physician once it is determined a patient’s symptoms can be managed in another setting. Once managed, GIP care is discontinued, and the patient is transferred to a routine level of care meaning the patient’s needs can be managed in their residence or other setting with hospice support. If the patient remains in the Hospice House after changing to Routine Care, Medicare, Medicaid and supplemental insurance plans will no longer cover room and board charges. Patient responsibility for room and board charges of $180/day begins the day after Routine Care begins. If finances are of concern, our Finance Department can work with patients and families on payment options.

A higher level of care ordered by a hospice physician and provided when the patient shows a need for skilled (requiring care of a licensed health professional) interventions for pain and symptom management in their place of residence. Crisis Care is for a limited time and must meet certain criteria set by Medicare. Crisis Care staff care for the patient and provide education to the patient’s family until the symptoms are under control. Once symptoms are managed, the level of care return to Routine Care.

Short-term, temporary care up to five days, provided at a contracted, skilled nursing home to allow caregivers to rest or to get away for a short period of time. Once the respite period ends, the patient returns home. If the respite stay exceeds five days, the patient or representative will be financially responsible to pay for any additional respite days.

This care is when a patient receives hospice care for a short time in a hospital due to lack of availability of Hospice House beds in the county or the patient is imminently dying and the family requests it. Caregivers must be aware hospice is a discharge plan and transfer to a Hospice House will occur as soon as possible. Remaining in the hospital for an extended time is not an option. IPI can only be provided to patients who have Medicare/Medicaid as their primary payer source. Exceptions to this must be discussed with the Hospice of Marion County medical director.