The hospice criteria for renal disease are based on the individual’s prognosis and health condition. Generally, hospice is recommended for individuals with a life expectancy of six months or less if the disease runs its natural course. Patients eligible for hospice care, must have an incurable illness and be functionally impaired due to their renal disease. The patient should also require assistance from family members or nursing staff with daily activities such as bathing, eating, and toileting.
In addition to hospice criteria based on renal disease, hospices may also consider the patient’s overall health status when determining their eligibility. This includes evaluating factors such as their mental state, pain levels, appetite, or any other medical conditions they have. Hospice care can provide a valuable source of comfort and support for individuals with end-stage renal disease. To find out more about hospice criteria for renal disease at Compassus, call us at 833.380.9583. We’re here for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals when you need us most.
Renal Failure Hospice Criteria
People are considered to be in the terminal stage of renal disease if they meet the criteria below. Some people may not meet the criteria but still, be eligible for hospice care due to comorbidities or rapid functional decline.
Hospice referrals should balance a physician’s experienced clinical judgment and patient and family input. Physicians and admissions coordinators at our local programs are available for consultation.
Acute Renal Failure
1, 2, and 3 must be present. Factors from 4 will lend supporting documentation. These factors are:
1. The patient is not seeking dialysis or a renal transplant
And
2. Creatinine clearance 8.0 mg/dl (>6.0 mg/dl for diabetes)
And
3. Serum creatinine > 8.0 mg/dl (>6.0 mg/dl for diabetes)
4. Supporting documentation of comorbidities:
- History of mechanical ventilation
- Malignancy (other organ systems)
- Chronic lung disease
- Advanced cardiac disease
- Advanced liver disease
- Sepsis
- Immunosuppression/AIDS
- Albumin Cachexia
- Platelet count <25,000
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
Chronic Renal Failure
1, 2, and 3 must be present. Factors from 4 will lend supporting documentation. These factors are:
1. The patient is not seeking dialysis or a renal transplant
and
2. Creatinine clearance 8.0 mg/dl (>6.0 mg/dl for diabetes)
and
3. Serum creatinine > 8.0 mg/dl (>6.0 mg/dl for diabetes)
4. Supporting documentation of comorbidities:
- Uremia
- Urine output < 400 cc/day Intractable hyperkalemia (> 7.0) not responsive to treatment
- Uremic pericarditis
- Hepatorenal syndrome
- Intractable fluid overload, not responsive to treatment
Hospice for Kidney Failure
Hospice care for kidney failure is an important and often underutilized resource within the medical community. Caring for someone whose kidneys are failing can be a physically and emotionally demanding experience. Receiving hospice services alongside existing medical treatment provides invaluable support for the patient and their caregivers.
Hospice professionals offer expert advice and emotional support to those suffering from chronic kidney disease, giving them comfort and peace of mind along with individualized care to meet their specific needs—potentially expanding treatment options or providing necessary pain or symptom management they might not otherwise have access. If your loved one is suffering from kidney failure, consider how hospice services might be beneficial by providing important information and care that can help everyone involved.
Learn More About Hospice Criteria for Kidney Failure at Compassus
Our hospice care is tailored to meet each patient’s unique needs, so please contact us today for more information and to determine if hospice care is proper for you. We understand that hospice care can be difficult and emotional, but it doesn’t have to be frightening.
At Compassus, we provide comfort and support to you and your loved ones as you navigate through this process. Our hospice care team is dedicated to helping you live life with dignity and comfort, no matter the circumstances. Please reach out if you have any questions at 833.380.9583 or want to learn more about hospice care for renal failure. We’re here to help.
