Can You Still See Your Own Doctor While Receiving Hospice Care?
When beginning hospice care, many patients and families ask: “Can I continue seeing my regular doctor?” The answer is yes—and in fact, continuing appointments with your personal physician can be a vital part of ensuring continuity, comfort, and emotional reassurance during hospice. In 2023, over 1.7 million Medicare beneficiaries received hospice care, and a growing number continue engaging with their long-time doctors throughout their journey, especially when guided by collaborative hospice teams.
Hospice is not a replacement for your entire healthcare experience—it’s a layer of specialized support added to it. That means if your regular doctor is willing and able to remain involved, your hospice provider will make every effort to coordinate care so that you benefit from both the familiarity of your established physician and the expertise of a multidisciplinary hospice team.
Collaboration Between Hospice and Your Physician
A strong communication system is the cornerstone of seamless care. Hospice providers work closely with your regular physician, especially if they agree to serve as your attending physician under Medicare hospice rules. This role allows your doctor to stay involved in treatment decisions, symptom management, and emotional support.
In fact, a study by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) found that patients who retain their attending physician during hospice experience fewer care disruptions and higher satisfaction scores. Your hospice team—consisting of nurses, social workers, aides, spiritual counselors, and a hospice medical director—coordinates with your physician to share updates and collaborate on your plan of care.
Empowered Decision-Making and Personalization
Hospice supports patient autonomy. Whether you’ve been seeing your doctor for decades or recently started with a provider you trust, that relationship doesn't have to end. Instead, your hospice team will integrate your doctor’s input into care planning, focusing on your values, goals, and comfort. This collaborative approach allows you to:
Discuss ongoing concerns and receive second opinions.
Maintain a trusted medical voice in your care discussions.
Receive personalized recommendations based on your history.
In a recent survey, 68% of hospice patients who continued with their personal doctor reported feeling “more in control” of their end-of-life choices.
Proactive Symptom Management
Symptom relief is a hallmark of hospice care. With your regular doctor involved, you benefit from dual insights: your physician’s long-term knowledge of your health and the hospice team’s real-time expertise in palliative care. This pairing results in:
Early detection of new or worsening symptoms.
Swift adjustments to pain medications and comfort interventions.
Fewer hospitalizations or emergency visits.
According to CMS data, coordinated care efforts between hospice teams and community physicians reduced avoidable hospitalizations by 23% in eligible patients.
The Value of Ongoing Appointments
Regular doctor appointments offer more than medical updates—they provide emotional stability and a sense of continuity. Your existing doctor knows your story, your preferences, and the emotional nuances that newer providers may not. By keeping that relationship active, you:
Get reassurance in uncertain times.
Maintain your voice in care decisions.
Reinforce trust during a major life transition.
This continuity supports your overall quality of life. In fact, patients who engage in ongoing doctor communication while on hospice are 30% more likely to report high satisfaction with their care, especially in home settings.
Staying Focused on What Matters Most
Hospice is about maximizing quality of life, not minimizing care. Continuing with your personal physician during hospice allows you to maintain a familiar support system while benefiting from additional layers of help. Your hospice team is there to manage symptoms and logistics; your doctor can offer continuity and connection.
If you're wondering how to keep your doctor involved, ask your hospice provider about designating your physician as your attending provider. Many hospices have processes in place to make this seamless and beneficial for everyone involved. And if your physician cannot continue in an active role, your hospice team will still prioritize care that reflects your preferences and past medical guidance.
If you have concerns or questions about continuing regular doctor visits during hospice, reach out to your hospice provider. They can walk you through the options, help you coordinate with your doctor, and ensure your care remains both compassionate and personalized. For more common questions like this one, see our full article on Frequently Asked Questions in Hospice Care.