Editorial: Hospice care does deserve priority

Thursday, Sept. 21, 2000 | 9:52 a.m.

Congress is reporting that the average stay in hospices dropped from 1992 to 1998, from 74 days to 59 days. One reason is confusing Medicare rules. Physicians have to certify that a patient is likely to die in six months, so some doctors and hospice providers worry they will be penalized if a patient lives longer than that, creating a disincentive to enter a patient earlier into hospice care.

Medicare officials say that's a misperception, but it still is encouraging that they have told providers they won't be penalized if a patient lives longer than six months. Hospice care treats the terminally ill compassionately, offering at-home care during their final days. The government shouldn't discourage its use.

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