In the weekly review of our new patients, time contradictions are frequently part of their stories.
A nurse or social worker will include a variation of, “Just before he went to the hospital, his physician told him he had months to live.”
I immediately think . . . of course that’s what the doctor said, since Medicare regulations unambiguously state a person appropriate for hospice has six months or less to live.
My thought occurred in split seconds, and before I’m finished thinking it, the same nurse or social worker continues their summary with, “However, while our patient was in the hospital, his surgeon told him he had less than a week to live.”
Months to live . . . one doctor said.
Less than a week to live . . . another doctor said. Read More →






