Hospice care can now admit patients faster, with fewer doctor visits required

Medicare has made it easier for patients to get into hospice care. Doctors no longer need to see a patient in person as often to certify their terminal illness.

The rules for admitting patients to hospice care have been a major barrier. Doctors had to make repeated in-person visits to certify a patient's terminal illness, even when the patient was clearly dying. This change means patients can access end-of-life care more quickly, reducing administrative burden for providers and potentially improving patient comfort.