Hospice-organizational perspectives

Hospice care has ancient origins, but its modern history has included a resurgence since the 1960s. Coverage of hospice care by Medicare and other insurers has helped it develop into an important part of today's health care system. Nevertheless, substantial barriers to its ideal use remain. This article discusses those barriers, with an emphasis on organizational and policy considerations. Hospice providers have an opportunity to educate physicians, patients, and families and thus help them to make full use of hospice care's potential.