For Referring Physicians

If you’re a physician with patients who have end-stage diseases, consider palliative and hospice care at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. We offer comprehensive services for end-of-life care, including medical and nursing care and support services.

For providers and practitioners at long-term care facilities, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health delivers the highest quality palliative and hospice care for your patients. Our care team members are employees, not contractors. As specialists in hospice and palliative care, we collaborate with you as medical colleagues for your patients’ best possible care plan.

To help make the transition and service provision as smooth as possible, we offer our services at the patient’s home or in a hospital or other facility.

For patients with potentially terminal illnesses, it’s never too early to begin planning for the end stages of their lives. Starting the discussion at diagnosis allows your patients to fully participate in the decision making for these major life changes that affect them and their families. The sooner you call on Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, the sooner we can help you prepare your patients for these important end-of-life decisions. Learn more about when to consider a hospice referral.

At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, our health care professionals work closely with physicians, their patients, and the patients’ families on an individualized care plan to support every kind of care need. Learn more about our services, including:

• Hospice services
• Palliative care
• Hospice formulary

Whether you’re a Virginia Mason Franciscan Health physician, community physician or partner at a skilled nursing or assisted living facility, learn how to refer a patient.

• Medical Algorithms
• Center to Advance Palliative Care
• The EPEC Project (Education in Palliative and End-of-Life Care)

• What is palliative care?
• American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine
• National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO)
• Hospice Foundation of America
• American Hospice Foundation
• Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association
• Americans for Better Care of the Dying
• Medical College of Wisconsin Palliative Care Center