In short, the answer is no! You don’t have to wait for a doctor’s referral in order to explore hospice care. Whether it’s you, a family member, friend, or your physician, anyone can make a referral. All you need to do is call our Referral Center at 360-814-5550.
Once you reach out, we’ll guide you through the process. This includes reviewing your medical records, confirming eligibility, and working with your provider if needed. Patient autonomy and consent are at the heart of our care, and we encourage open communication with your loved ones about how hospice care can help. If your provider has any questions, we’re happy to connect with them directly to ensure a smooth transition onto our service.
What Happens After the Referral?
Once we confirm eligibility, a member of our team will contact you to schedule an informational visit. This free, no-obligation conversation is an opportunity for you and your circle of support to ask questions, express concerns, and learn how we can support you. During this visit, we’ll discuss your goals, expectations, and next steps in more detail.
Every patient who begins care with Hospice of the Northwest receives a guidebook outlining what to expect, along with resources for caregivers and loved ones. Hospice care is covered by the Medicare hospice benefit, and we also work with private insurance providers to ensure proper coverage. Thanks to the generosity of our community donors, we’ve never turned anyone away for inability to pay.
Why Refer Early?
Many people wait too long to seek hospice care, but you don’t have to. The earlier you reach out, the more we can help. Early referrals give patients and families more time to benefit from the comfort, care, and support hospice provides. Waiting until the need for hospice becomes urgent can make the process more stressful for everyone involved. By starting early, you can focus on what matters most—living life to the fullest.
How to Get Started
To start the process, call our Referral Center at 360-814-5550, open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., seven days a week, including holidays. If you call after hours, please leave a detailed message, and our team will return your call promptly.
When you call, it’s helpful to have the following information ready:
- Legal name
- Date of birth
- Insurance provider
- Primary Care Physician’s name
- Any current diagnoses, treatments, or goals for end-of-life care
You don’t have to wait to find out if hospice care is right for you or a loved one. Contact us today to start the conversation—our team is here to help you every step of the way.