Hospice Question-Do they still do scans??

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kenzie57
kenzie57 Member Posts: 207

Hi Gals:

I have been going back and forth on continuing with treatement or going on hosipce.  Now, this weekend, I think I want to quit the chemo.  My question is, do they still do scans once you quit chemo?  I would like to know how far the cancer has advanced.  Just not sure what insurance allows once you go on pallative/hospice care.

Thanks for your responses,

Love,

Linda

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  • Sue-61
    Sue-61 Member Posts: 599
    edited August 2009

    Linda, call your insurance company and request a casemanager, RN. They can advise you fully on the hospice benefit, what it covers and what it does not cover. You can also talk to someone in member services but get a case manager if your insuror offers this great service. Sue

  • Analemma
    Analemma Member Posts: 1,622
    edited August 2009

    I had alway thought that the definition of hospice was that it was only comfort care, not diagnostic or treatment.  But now I'm wondering.  Let us know what you find out.

  • MJLToday
    MJLToday Member Posts: 2,068
    edited August 2009

    I've heard that once you are officially assigned to hospice, they don't do any more scans. Perhaps you can request one more scan before you officially decide to quit the chemo.

  • leggo
    leggo Member Posts: 3,293
    edited August 2009

    Linda, before you make that decision, I'd make sure you're at that point after a good long talk with your onc because you may have to sign a DNR order. Depending on the palliative treatment you're receiving (i.e., rads), they may do an initial scan, but no follow-up scans. Good luck with your decision....it's a tough one.

  • Debs-husband
    Debs-husband Member Posts: 19
    edited August 2009

    Linda,

    That was a concern of ours too - basically we were told by hospice that Deb couldn't be in hospice and still be actively treated simultaneously.

    But, she would able to go in and out of hospice if she wanted to go back and pursue treatment (including having scans).

    Hope that helps.

    Rob

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