RE: SNF v/s hospice?

[Heidi Ebertowski]

I believe in this case you could skill her for Med A on wound care since it is unrelated to her terminal condition and need for hospice.  However I do believe the trach care would lie under hospice care since it is related to her comatose state and therefore terminal condition.   Heidi Ebertowski,R.N. MDS Care Coordinator Valley Memorial Homes Grand Forks, ND (701)787-7937   fax (701)787-7901 Confidentiality Statement: This message is intended for the sole use of the individual and entity to whom it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged,confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.  If you are not the intended addressee,nor authorized to receive for the intended addressee,you are hereby notified that you may not use,copy,disclose or distribute to anyone the message or any information contained in the message.  If you have received this message in error,please immediately advise the sender by reply email and delete the message.  Thank you. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2004 2:09 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: SNF v/s hospice?   Here is a scenario:  A comatose pt. with stage IV decubitus, trach, peg & "IV" antibiotic was admitted to our unit primarily for wound care.  Pt. had EEG and showed no brain activity.  We had a family conference with MD present and the family decided to stop "IV" and tube feeding a week ago and a referral to hspice was made.  Our Social Worker decided that she felt so sorry for the family that she wants to keep the pt. on our floor until she dies.  Pt. hasn't had fluids & feeding for one week and she is still going strong. My question is: 1.  Can we keep her skilled for trach care and wound care bec. it's done daily? 2.  Is she considered hospice and not eligible for medicare payment? 3.  Should her level of care be lowered to ICF? Thank you all!