Back to Basics: What You Need to Know About Transfers artwork
The Heart of Hospice Podcast

Back to Basics: What You Need to Know About Transfers

  • S9E52
  • 29:59
  • June 20th 2025

We’re getting back to the basics of hospice with Hospice Social Worker Lisa Pahl, sharing information about transfers from one hospice agency to another.  It’s really important for patients and their decision makers to know they can transfer to another hospice agency if the care isn’t a good fit.  Hospice team members should be knowledgeable about how transfers work and what needs to be done.  

Here are some things you need to know about transfers: • The patient or decision maker has the right to request a transfer to another hospice agency. • There are several reasons a transfer might happen, including being dissatisfied with the care, personality clashes with the hospice interdisciplinary team, or wanting to be cared for by a friend working for another company. • When the patient or decision maker requests a transfer, the current agency is required to coordinate the transfer with the new agency. • The current agency should provide a report of the care being provided, including the plan of care, list of medications, and a discharge summary.  • Transfers are allowed only once during a benefit (certification) period.  The current agency should make that information available to the patient and caregiver.  

Connect with Lisa Pahl, owner/creator (thedeathdeck.com)  The Death Deck and End of Life Deck  

You can find the Approaching Death Support Kit at bkbooks.com.

Find all of Barbara Karnes’ products and resources at bkbooks.com.

Read Barbara’s blog at bkbooks.com.

Connect with Barbara Karnes on Facebook   IG   LinkedIn   Twitter (X)    YouTube

Hospice Navigation Services understands that you need unbiased, expert support to have the best end of life experience possible.  If you have questions about hospice care for yourself or someone you care about, Hospice Navigation Services can help.  Whether you want to connect by phone or video, you can book a FREE 30-Minute Hospice Navigation Session, or a more in-depth 60-Minute Navigation Session for $95.  If you need to troubleshoot the care you’re already receiving, we’re here to answer your questions.  A 60-Minute Navigation Session by video call allows up to 3 family members to get the same expert information at the same time. We believe you deserve to have good hospice care.  Book your session with an expert Hospice Navigator at theheartofhospice.com.  

Connect with The Heart of Hospice Podcast and host Helen Bauer Website:  theheartofhospice.com Social media:  Facebook     Twitter    Instagram   LinkedIn


The Heart of Hospice Podcast

The Heart of Hospice podcast is dedicated to helping personal and professional caregivers who are caring for someone with serious illness. We're here to provide information and education so people can make informed choices about end of life care.