Care Choices

Capital Caring, the largest and most experienced provider of advanced illness care in the mid-Atlantic region, is pleased to announce that it has been chosen by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to participate in an investigational study called the Medicare Care Choices Model (MCCM). The Care Choices model is a three-year study designed to explore ways to improve care options for hospice-eligible beneficiaries by allowing greater flexibility and choice in deciding between hospice care and curative treatment, when faced with life-limiting illness.

Who is eligible?

The Care Choices program provides a new option for beneficiaries with advanced cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure, and HIV/AIDS who meet eligibility requirements under the Medicare hospice benefit to receive palliative care services from Capital Caring while concurrently receiving curative treatment from their healthcare providers.

How to Access Care

Our Care Choices team can assist with the enrollment process and answer any of your questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Simply call our 24-Hour Care Line at (800) 869-2136 or submit a referral online.

• Physician Referral Form & Eligibility Checklist (PDF)
• Quick Facts for Providers & Patients (PDF)

Services Provided

Hospice-like services provided under the auspices of the Capital Caring’s Care Choices program will include the following elements:

• Care Coordination for safe, effective, and appropriate management of patient care activities, including sharing information with individuals involved in direct patient care;
• Shared decision-making in clinical care activities, tailored to the patient’s values and preferences;
• Nursing-in-home services, 24-7 telephonic support and coordination of care services;
• Social work — assistance in identifying additional community services and resources;
• Assistance with identifying patient, family and caregiver needs in providing social and emotional support services;
• Hospice aide and homemaker — personal care and assistance in maintaining a safe and sanitary environment in areas of the home used by the patient;
• Counseling and Chaplain — bereavement and spiritual services;
• Guidance on nutrition programming;
• Symptom and pain management — in collaboration with the patient’s provider;
• In-home respite care — allows family short-term relief from caregiving responsibilities;
• Volunteers (direct services) — provides direct services and social support for the patient and family.

Service Line Differentiation

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) defines the difference between Palliative Care, Traditional Hospice care, and the Medicare Care Choices Model (MCCM)

• Chart: Service Line Differentiation (PDF)

How to Access Care

Our Care Choices team can assist with the enrollment process and answer any of your questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Simply call our 24-Hour Care Line at (800) 869-2136 or submit a referral online.

• Physician Referral Form & Eligibility Checklist (PDF)
• Quick Facts for Providers & Patients (PDF)