Frequently Asked Questions
About PIHC
What services does your organization provide?
We offer a wide range of services designed to meet the healthcare needs of individuals in the comfort of their own homes, including: Home Health Care: Skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medical social work and CNA. Hospice Care: Compassionate care for individuals with life-limiting conditions, focusing on comfort and quality of life. Palliative Care: Specialized care aimed at providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of serious illnesses. Durable Medical Equipment (DME): Providing necessary equipment such as oxygen, wheelchairs, and hospital beds. Infusion Services: At-home intravenous (IV) treatments, including antibiotics, hydration, nutritional therapy and other infusions. Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): Personal care, respite care, and community-based services to help individuals live independently and safely at home.
Is your organization a non-profit?
Yes, we are a non-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality care to individuals in Western Montana, ensuring that healthcare needs are met in the home or community setting.
How can I contact your office?
You can reach us by phone, email, or by visiting our office. Our contact details are available on the Contact Us page. If you need urgent assistance, our team is available for emergency contact as well.
How can I volunteer with your organization?
We welcome volunteers who are passionate about helping others! Volunteers can assist with a variety of tasks, from providing companionship to patients, helping with administrative tasks, or supporting fundraising efforts. Please contact our volunteer coordinator to learn more or visit the Get Involved page.
Our Services
How do I qualify for your services?
Eligibility varies depending on the specific service. Generally, a doctor’s referral is required, and we work closely with healthcare providers to ensure the right services are provided. Some services may require insurance or specific medical conditions. Please contact us for more information on meeting criteria for our services.
Do you provide services outside of Western Montana?
Currently, our services are limited to Western Montana, specifically Lake County, Sanders County, Mineral County, Missoula County, Granite County, and Ravalli County. If you're located outside of our service area, we would be happy to provide referrals or direct you to other organizations that offer similar services.
How can I refer someone to your services?
Referrals can be made by healthcare professionals. Family members, or individuals themselves can inquire about our services. Simply contact our office to speak with an intake specialist who can guide you through the referral process.
What should I expect when receiving at healthcare in my home?
When receiving home health care, you can expect a customized care plan developed by your healthcare team. Services typically include skilled nursing, therapy, and other healthcare professionals who visit your home at scheduled times. Our team works to ensure you are comfortable, informed, and supported throughout your care.
Can I recieve Hospice care at home?
Yes, our hospice care services are available in the comfort of your home, wherever you live. We focus on providing comfort, pain relief, and emotional support to both patients and their families during this time.
What is the difference between hospice and palliative care?
Hospice care is for individuals with a terminal illness, typically when a person is expected to live six months or less. The focus is on comfort, quality of life, and end-of-life care. Palliative care is available at any stage of a serious illness, including when curative treatment is still being performed. It is focused on providing relief from symptoms and improving the quality of life, alongside other treatments.
How can I get durable medical equipment (DME)?
DME can be ordered through your doctor or healthcare provider, or you can contact our office directly to discuss your needs. Our team will help you select the right equipment, arrange for delivery, and offer training on how to use it safely.
What types of infusion services do you provide?
IV antibiotics Hydration therapy Nutritional Therapy Chemotherapy (depending on the patient's needs) Pain management infusions
Can your services be provided on weekends or holidays?
Yes, many of our services, including home health and hospice care, are available 24/7, including weekends and holidays. We understand that healthcare needs don’t follow a typical schedule, and we are here to support you whenever needed.
What if I no longer need your services?
If you no longer require our services, please contact our office so we can assist with transitioning your care or discontinuing services. We always strive to ensure that your care plan aligns with your current healthcare needs.
Insurance
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we accept most major insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid, for many of our services. For specific insurance questions or to verify coverage, please contact our office directly.
Is there a cost to your services?
As a non-profit, we aim to provide affordable care. The cost of services depends on the type of care needed and your insurance coverage. We work with patients and families to ensure that care is accessible and that financial assistance options are available.
How do I find out if my insurance covers your services?
We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to confirm coverage. Our staff is also happy to assist with verifying your insurance benefits and answer any billing or coverage questions you may have.
Palliative Care
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care provides relief from the physical, emotional, and spiritual symptoms and pain that often accompany a serious illness. The goal is to control symptoms, relieve suffering, and preserve the best possible quality of life. Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments, while hospice care focuses on comfort when curative care is no longer an option.
What types of conditions benefit from palliative care?
Palliative care can benefit individuals with serious or life-limiting conditions. We are currently accepting palliative care referrals to individuals with: Cancer Heart disease Chronic lung disease
What can I expect during palliative care?
When you or your loved one receives palliative care, our team will work closely with your primary healthcare provider to create an individualized care plan. This plan may involve: Symptom management: Pain relief, nausea control, shortness of breath, fatigue, etc. This is performed through consultation with our nurse practitioner. Emotional support: Counseling for patients and families, coping strategies, and providing spiritual care. Coordination of care: Our team ensures all your care providers (doctors, specialists, etc.) are working together for a cohesive plan. Family support: Guidance for families in navigating care decisions and providing respite care to prevent caregiver burnout.
Is palliative care covered by insurance?
Yes, palliative care is typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans, though there may be an associated co-pay, similar to other medical specializations. Coverage may vary depending on the insurance plan, so we recommend contacting your provider to verify benefits. Our staff can also assist in verifying coverage and answering any billing questions you may have.
Who provides palliative care?
Palliative care is delivered by an interdisciplinary team that may include: Physicians Nurse Practitioners Licensed Social workers Chaplains or spiritual counselors
Can Palliative Care be provided at home?
Yes, we provide palliative care in the comfort of your own home, allowing you to stay in a familiar environment surrounded by family and friends.
How long can someone receive palliative care?
Palliative care can be provided for as long as needed, whether that’s for a few weeks, months, or even longer. The focus is always on improving comfort and quality of life, and the care plan can be adjusted as the patient’s needs change. Palliative care is not restricted by the stage of illness or prognosis and can be provided alongside curative treatments.
Can palliative care help with end-of-life decisions?
Yes, palliative care providers can assist in navigating end-of-life decisions. This may include discussions about goals of care, advanced care planning, and decisions regarding life-sustaining treatments. They can also help with completing advanced directives, such as living wills or medical powers of attorney, to ensure your healthcare wishes are known and respected.
How can I get palliative care for myself or a loved one?
To begin palliative care, you or your loved one will need a referral from a healthcare provider, such as a doctor. Once we receive the referral, our team will assess the situation and develop a personalized care plan. Please contact our office to discuss eligibility and referral options.
Can palliative care be combined with other treatments?
Yes, palliative care can be provided alongside other medical treatments. Unlike hospice care, which typically focuses only on comfort and symptom management, palliative care can be given while you continue to pursue curative treatments for your illness. Our goal is to improve your quality of life at all stages of your illness, whether or not you are undergoing curative treatments. Palliative care can also occur in conjunction with home health services.
Hospice
Why do terminally ill patients choose hospice care?
Hospice care provides comfort and support when an illness cannot be cured. It focuses on respecting the individual’s wishes, managing pain and symptoms, and offering emotional and spiritual support. The goal is to improve quality of life and maintain dignity in the final stages of life.
What does the admission process involve?
Upon requesting hospice care, we will contact the patient’s primary care physician to ensure that hospice care is appropriate. A visit will be scheduled to explain hospice services, answer questions, and complete the necessary paperwork. A care plan will be developed in collaboration with the primary care physician.
Do I need a referral for Hospice care?
A physician may refer you to hospice care, but a physician referral is not required if you feel you are ready to receive hospice services. We can help facilitate verifying that you would qualify.
Do I have to check my loved one into a hospice facility?
No, most of our patients receive hospice care at home, whether it's in their private residence, a family member's home, an assisted living facility, or a skilled nursing center.
What is involved in caring for a loved one receiving hospice care at home?
Care varies by patient, but our interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals—physicians, nurses, social workers, and volunteers—will work closely with caregivers to ensure the patient receives the appropriate care and support. We are available 24/7 to assist with any changes in care needs.
Does PIHC Hospice have a residential facility?
PIHC is in partnership with the Partners Hope Foundation to operate the Hospice House, opening in 2025.
How much does hospice care cost?
Hospice care is often more cost-effective than hospitalization, and most health insurance plans, including Medicare, cover hospice services. We work with families to ensure that financial concerns do not prevent access to care.
Can a hospice patient who shows signs of recovery be returned to regular medical treatment?
Yes, if a patient shows signs of improvement, they can be discharged from hospice and return to regular medical treatment. If needed, they can be re-admitted to hospice care at a later time. We can help facilitate transition of services, and help you decide if other services, such as Palliative Care or Home Health, may be warranted in the transition.
Will pain medication leave my loved one incoherent or unable to speak?
We strive to find the right balance in pain management, ensuring relief without compromising alertness. Medication management and decision-making is an important part of the hospice care plan, and we work alongside you to ensure that this meets your goals of care.
Home Health
What is Home Health Care?
Home health care involves a wide range of services that allow patients to receive medical treatment, therapy, and support in the comfort of their own home. It is typically provided after a hospital stay, surgery, illness, or injury and is aimed at helping individuals recover, regain independence, or manage chronic conditions. Services may include skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, social work, and CNA.
What services are included in Home Health Care?
We provide a comprehensive range of home health care services to meet the diverse needs of individuals, including: Skilled Nursing Care: Registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide medical treatments, wound care, medication management, IV therapy, and comprehensive health assessments. Physical Therapy (PT): Therapists work to improve or regain mobility, strength, and flexibility. They help patients recover from surgery, injuries, or physical limitations. Occupational Therapy (OT): Occupational therapists assist patients in regaining the ability to perform daily activities, such as dressing, bathing, cooking, and using specialized equipment safely. Speech Therapy: Speech therapists help with speech, language, and swallowing disorders, and work on improving communication and cognitive skills. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs): CNAs assist with daily personal care, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and light housekeeping. Medical Social Work Services: Medical Social workers provide emotional support; help navigate healthcare systems and connect patients and families with community resources and services.
How do I qualify for Home Health care services?
To qualify for home health care services, a doctor must provide a referral. Once the referral is received, our team will verify insurance coverage, obtain any necessary prior authorizations, and arrange for an assessment to determine the appropriate care needed. We work closely with your physician to ensure a coordinated approach to care and that the services meet your specific healthcare needs.
What should I expect from Home Health care services?
When you receive home health care, you can expect: A personalized care plan developed by our team in collaboration with your physician. Skilled healthcare professionals who will visit your home at scheduled times to provide the necessary care. Regular communication between our team and your doctor to ensure your progress is monitored and your treatment plan is adjusted as needed. Compassionate care aimed at supporting your recovery, managing your health condition, or helping you maintain your independence.
How often will Home Health staff visit me?
The frequency of visits will depend on your specific needs and the recommendations of your doctor. For example, a registered nurse may visit several times a week to administer treatments, while physical therapy or occupational therapy may occur a few times a week to help with rehabilitation. The care team will work with you to create a schedule that supports your recovery or ongoing healthcare needs.
Is Home Health care covered by insurance?
Yes, home health care is typically covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and many private insurance plans, but coverage varies. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm coverage. Our team is also available to help verify benefits, obtain prior authorizations if needed, and answer any questions regarding costs or coverage options.
How long will I receive home health care?
The length of home health care depends on your specific healthcare needs and individualized goals. Services may be short-term, such as following a surgery or illness, or long-term, such as for chronic conditions or ongoing therapy. We continually evaluate your care and make adjustments to your care plan as needed. Discharge planning is initiated by your care team throughout your time with us to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated transition at the conclusion of your care.