What does SIA mean in hospice?

In 2016, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) introduced a service intensity add-on (SIA) payment for routine home care visits by a registered nurse or social worker to meet the increased clinical and emotional needs of patients in the last 7 days of life and their families.

What is service intensity?

Service Intensity means the frequency and quantity of services needed, the extent to which multiple providers or agencies are involved, and the level of care coordination required.

What is included in hospice?

Hospice is a program of care and support for people who are terminally ill (with a life expectancy of 6 months or less, if the illness runs its normal course) and their families. Services typically include physical care, counseling, drugs, equipment, and supplies for the terminal illness and related conditions.

What are the 4 levels of hospice care?

Every Medicare-certified hospice provider must provide these four levels of care.

• Level 1: Routine Home Care.
• Level 2: Continuous Home Care.
• Level 3: General Inpatient Care.
• Level 4: Respite Care.
• Determining Level of Care.

What organ shuts down first?

The first organ system to “close down” is the digestive system. Digestion is a lot of work! In the last few weeks, there is really no need to process food to build new cells.

What are the first signs of your body shutting down?

You may notice their:

• Eyes tear or glaze over.
• Pulse and heartbeat are irregular or hard to feel or hear.
• Body temperature drops.
• Skin on their knees, feet, and hands turns a mottled bluish-purple (often in the last 24 hours)
• Breathing is interrupted by gasping and slows until it stops entirely.

How long does the average hospice patient live?

Once a patient begins the active stage of dying, care may increase to provide more comfort and pain relief support. When the patient begins to exhibit the signs of active dying, most will live for another three days on average.

How much does hospice cost per day?

Otherwise Medicare usually ends up paying the majority of hospice services, which for inpatient stays can sometimes run up to $10,000 per month, depending on the level of care required. On average, however, it is usually around $150 for home care, and up to $500 for general inpatient care per day.