What Amedisys Hospice is and how it operates

Amedisys Hospice is a for-profit hospice provider that operates in multiple states and offers end-of-life care in patients' homes, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and dedicated hospice facilities. The company employs nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, and other specialists who coordinate comfort-focused care for people with terminal diagnoses and their families.

Amedisys is one of the largest hospice operators in the United States. Like all Medicare-certified hospice providers, it must meet federal standards for staffing, training, and the types of services it offers. The company bills Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance for the care it provides — patients do not pay Amedisys directly in most cases.

The hospice itself does not diagnose terminal illness or decide when someone is ready for hospice care. A patient's doctor makes that information and writes an order for hospice services. Once that order is in place, the patient (or their family) can choose which hospice provider to use, including Amedisys.

Key Takeaways

  • Amedisys is a for-profit hospice company that provides end-of-life care in homes and facilities across multiple states, and bills insurance rather than charging patients directly.
  • A doctor must order hospice care before Amedisys can begin services, and the patient or family chooses which hospice provider to use.
  • Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans cover hospice services at no cost to the patient, though coverage rules vary by plan.
  • Amedisys provides nursing, personal care, medications, equipment, counseling, and chaplain services as part of its standard hospice benefit.
  • You can switch hospice providers at any time, and Amedisys must transfer medical records and equipment to the new provider within 24 hours.

What services Amedisys includes in hospice care

Amedisys hospice provides a range of services bundled into the hospice benefit. This means Medicare, Medicaid, or your insurance pays one daily rate that covers all of these services — there are no separate bills for each one.

Services typically include nursing visits (which can be daily or several times per week depending on need), personal care and bathing, medications for comfort and symptom management, medical equipment like hospital beds and oxygen, pain management, spiritual counseling, and social work support. Amedisys also provides bereavement counseling to family members for up to 13 months after the patient's death.

The frequency and intensity of visits depend on the patient's condition and needs. Someone in active dying may receive daily nursing visits; someone stable on a pain management plan may receive visits once or twice per week. The care team adjusts the schedule as the patient's condition changes.

How insurance covers Amedisys hospice services

Medicare covers hospice care at no cost to the patient once a doctor certifies the patient has a terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less. Medicaid coverage varies by state — some states cover hospice fully, while others have restrictions on which providers they reimburse or how long they will pay. Private insurance plans also vary; some cover hospice the same way Medicare does, while others require prior authorization or limit the number of visits.

When you choose Amedisys, the company handles billing to your insurance. You should not receive bills from Amedisys for routine hospice services. If you do, contact Amedisys billing or your insurance company to clarify coverage.

Some patients choose to continue curative treatment (like chemotherapy) alongside hospice care. In those cases, insurance may cover both, but you should confirm this with your insurance company and doctor before starting. Amedisys can coordinate with other providers if you choose this path.

How to start Amedisys hospice services

The process begins with your doctor. If you or a family member has a terminal diagnosis, ask the doctor whether hospice care is appropriate. The doctor will write an order for hospice services if they believe it is the right choice. You do not need to agree to hospice when ready — you can ask questions and take time to decide.

Once a hospice order is written, you can contact Amedisys directly or ask your doctor's office for a referral. Amedisys will send an intake nurse to meet with you, review your medical history, discuss your goals and preferences, and explain what services will be provided. This visit is also when you sign consent forms and insurance paperwork.

Amedisys must begin services within a specific timeframe set by your insurance (usually within 24 to 48 hours of the referral). The care team will establish a schedule of visits and provide you with contact information for after-hours emergencies.

What happens if you want to switch providers or stop hospice

You can change hospice providers at any time without penalty. If you decide to switch to a different hospice company, notify your current provider in writing (or verbally, though written is better documented). Amedisys must transfer your medical records and any equipment it provided to the new hospice within 24 hours.

You can also stop hospice care at any time. If you do, your doctor will need to write a new order if you want to restart hospice later with any provider. Stopping hospice does not affect your ability to receive other medical care.

Some patients choose to leave hospice because their condition improved or stabilized. Others switch providers because they want services the current provider does not offer, or because they are unhappy with the care. Either choice is yours to make.

Common questions about Amedisys hospice operations

Amedisys operates in roughly 30 states, though the exact number and locations change as the company expands or contracts. You can search Amedisys's website or call their main line to find locations near you. Not all areas have Amedisys services, so you may need to choose a different hospice provider depending on where you live.

Amedisys is a publicly traded company owned by shareholders, not a nonprofit. This means it operates for profit, though it is still required to meet all federal hospice standards and regulations. Some families prefer nonprofit hospices for philosophical reasons; others find that Amedisys meets their needs well. The choice is yours.

If you have a complaint about Amedisys services, you can contact your state's hospice licensing board, file a complaint with Medicare (if you are on Medicare), or contact your state's attorney general's office. You can also ask to speak with the hospice medical director or administrator at Amedisys directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Amedisys charge patients for hospice services?

No. Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance cover hospice services, and Amedisys bills the insurance directly. Patients do not pay out-of-pocket for routine hospice care. If you receive a bill from Amedisys for covered services, contact their billing department to resolve it.

Can I use Amedisys if I am not on Medicare?

Yes. Amedisys accepts Medicaid in states where it operates, and also accepts private insurance. Coverage and benefits vary by plan, so contact your insurance company to confirm that Amedisys is in-network and what services are covered before you start.

What if Amedisys is not available in my area?

Ask your doctor for referrals to other hospice providers in your region. Your local hospital, nursing home, or area agency on aging can also provide names of hospice companies that serve your area. All Medicare-certified hospices must meet the same federal standards, so you can compare providers based on location, services, and your comfort with the team.

Can I continue other medical treatment while using Amedisys?

Yes, though it depends on your insurance and your doctor's recommendation. Some patients continue certain treatments alongside hospice. Discuss this with your doctor and confirm coverage with your insurance before starting any new treatment while on hospice.

How long does hospice care typically last?

The average is weeks to a few months, though some patients use hospice for longer. The length depends on the diagnosis, how quickly the condition progresses, and how well symptoms are managed. Amedisys will reassess regularly and adjust the care plan as needed.