What AccordantHealth Hospice Does

AccordantHealth is a for-profit hospice provider that operates in multiple states and offers end-of-life care in patients' homes, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. Like other hospice programs, it focuses on comfort and symptom management rather than curative treatment, and it coordinates with your doctor and family to create a care plan tailored to your needs.

AccordantHealth is part of a larger network of hospice providers. The company employs nurses, aides, social workers, and chaplains who visit regularly to manage pain, address emotional and spiritual concerns, and support both the patient and family members. If you're considering hospice care through AccordantHealth or another provider, understanding how the service works and what to expect can help you make an informed decision.

Key Takeaways

  • AccordantHealth provides hospice care in patients' homes and facilities across multiple states, with a team of nurses, aides, social workers, and chaplains.
  • Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans cover hospice care, including services from AccordantHealth, at no cost to the patient.
  • A doctor must certify that a patient has a life expectancy of six months or less to begin hospice care through any provider, including AccordantHealth.
  • You can switch hospice providers at any time, so choosing AccordantHealth is not a permanent commitment.
  • AccordantHealth coordinates with your existing medical team and family to create a care plan focused on comfort and quality of life.

How to Start Hospice Care With AccordantHealth

The first step is a conversation with your doctor. Your doctor must complete a certification stating that you have a terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less. This certification is required by Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance plans before any hospice care can begin. Your doctor can initiate a referral to AccordantHealth directly, or you can contact AccordantHealth yourself and ask them to reach out to your doctor for the certification.

Once your doctor has certified your condition, AccordantHealth will schedule an intake appointment. During this visit, a nurse will review your medical history, current medications, and symptoms. The nurse will also discuss your goals for care—what matters most to you at this stage—and answer questions about what hospice services include. This is also when you'll learn about the specific team members who will be involved in your care.

After intake, AccordantHealth will work with you and your family to develop a care plan. This plan outlines which services you'll receive, how often the team will visit, and how to reach someone if you have urgent needs. The plan can be adjusted at any time as your condition or preferences change.

What Services AccordantHealth Includes

AccordantHealth's core services typically include nursing visits to manage pain and symptoms, aide visits for personal care and hygiene, social work support to help with practical and emotional concerns, and chaplain or spiritual care services. The frequency of visits depends on your needs—some patients receive daily visits, while others may have weekly check-ins. All medications related to your comfort are covered, as are medical equipment like hospital beds, oxygen, and wound care supplies.

The team also provides bereavement support to family members after the patient's death, usually for up to a year. This may include counseling, support groups, or written resources to help with grief. If you have specific needs—such as care in a particular language or cultural practices—discuss these during intake so AccordantHealth can arrange appropriate support.

Insurance Coverage and Cost

Medicare covers hospice care through AccordantHealth at no cost to the patient, meaning you pay no copayment, coinsurance, or deductible for hospice services. Medicaid in most states also covers hospice care with no patient cost. Private insurance plans typically cover hospice as well, though coverage details vary by plan.

If you are uninsured or underinsured, AccordantHealth may still provide care. Many hospice providers have financial information programs or work with patients on a sliding fee scale. Contact AccordantHealth directly to discuss your situation and learn what options may be available.

One important note: when you enroll in hospice care, you are choosing comfort-focused care rather than curative treatment. This means Medicare and most insurance plans will not pay for hospital stays or aggressive treatments aimed at curing the underlying illness during the hospice period. However, you can leave hospice at any time if you decide to pursue other treatment options.

Choosing Between AccordantHealth and Other Hospice Providers

AccordantHealth is one of many hospice providers operating in the United States. Choosing between providers often comes down to availability in your area, the specific services offered, and how well the team communicates with you and your family. Some questions to ask when comparing providers include: Are they available in your location? Do they have experience with your specific condition? Can they accommodate your cultural or spiritual preferences? How do they handle urgent calls outside business hours?

You are not locked into any single provider. You can switch to a different hospice provider—including AccordantHealth—at any time without penalty. If you start with AccordantHealth and feel the fit is not right, you can request a transfer to another provider. Similarly, if you are already receiving care from another provider and want to switch to AccordantHealth, you can do so by asking your doctor or the current provider to facilitate the change.

What Happens During Hospice Care

Once care begins, your AccordantHealth team will visit on a schedule you've agreed to. Nurses will assess your symptoms, adjust medications as needed, and teach family members how to provide comfort care. Aides will help with bathing, dressing, and other daily activities. Social workers can help with practical matters like advance directives, financial planning, or family conversations. Chaplains or spiritual counselors can provide emotional and spiritual support according to your beliefs.

Your family is an important part of the care team. AccordantHealth staff will teach family members how to recognize changes in condition, how to keep the patient comfortable, and when to call the nurse. Many hospice providers, including AccordantHealth, offer 24/7 phone support so you can reach someone if questions or concerns arise at any time.

When Hospice Care Ends

Hospice care typically ends when the patient passes away. At that time, AccordantHealth will help coordinate with a funeral home or medical examiner as needed, and will provide bereavement support to your family. If a patient's condition improves unexpectedly or if the family decides to pursue curative treatment instead, hospice care can be discontinued. The patient can also be discharged from hospice if they move to a location where AccordantHealth does not operate, though the provider will help arrange care with another hospice in the new area.

After the patient's death, AccordantHealth's bereavement team typically reaches out to family members to offer support. This may include grief counseling, support groups, or educational materials about the grieving process. Bereavement services are usually provided at no cost and may continue for several months to a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does choosing AccordantHealth mean I'm giving up on treatment?

Hospice care focuses on comfort rather than cure, but it is not the same as giving up. You can leave hospice at any time if you decide to pursue curative treatment instead. Hospice is a choice about what kind of care matters most to you right now—managing pain and symptoms, spending time with loved ones, and maintaining quality of life.

What if AccordantHealth doesn't serve my area?

AccordantHealth operates in multiple states but not everywhere. If they don't serve your location, ask your doctor or local hospice referral service for other providers in your area. Many communities have several hospice options, and your doctor can help you find one that meets your needs.

Can I change my mind about hospice after I start?

Yes. You can leave hospice care at any time and return to curative treatment if you wish. You can also switch to a different hospice provider without penalty. If your condition improves or your goals change, discuss this with your AccordantHealth team or doctor.

Will AccordantHealth care for my family after I die?

AccordantHealth provides bereavement support to family members after the patient's death, usually for up to a year. This may include counseling, support groups, or written resources. Contact AccordantHealth to learn what bereavement services are available in your area.

How do I know if hospice is right for me?

Talk with your doctor about your goals and what matters most to you. Your doctor can explain whether hospice is appropriate for your condition and prognosis. You can also speak with a hospice provider like AccordantHealth before making a decision—they can answer questions and help you understand what the service involves.