An old Idea...Death Doula Practice??

[Nashvillejeanne]

I have been a hospice nurse for 15 years and I am certified in hospice and palliative nursing. I see a real need for a Death Doula or end of life attendant practice. It would include preparation and /or attendance at death, spiritual support, advice and anticipatory grief support, non medical support. Hospice care fills some of this need, but I see a niche for private one on one patient and family support. The home funeral service is also a new and upcoming niche. People don't know they can do a home "memorial". A funeral home is really not required (in TN). There are some rules as to how long the deceased may stay in the home etc... My state (TN) allows burial in a family or home plot (it has to meet some criteria).In the country it is not unusual to see a home with acreage and a small family plot fenced off. Home memorials would be cost effective and they do tie into the home death market. I see it as the "natural birth" movement was 20 years ago.

It would be a consultant and private pay practice (no Medicare billing).Thoughts???

[Stacy67CP]

I think that you have a brilliant idea.

I do have some thoughts for you, since this will be a one nurse per patient/family you should have an form that the patient/family fills out that tells all about likes and dislikes, personality, family dynamics... That way you can fit the nurse with the patient better.

Give a "Get Along Option" after 5 patient contacts if the Nurse or the patient/family does not feel comfortable with the other a new Nurse will be brought in. Then the first 5 contacts will be billed at 1/2 price, if a new Nurse is requested by the 2 contact there will be no charge for those 2 visits. (or something like that, just a thought)

The nurse should be involved with hospice on behalf of the patient, that way if the patient needs home O2 hospice can arrange for it to be provided and billed to Medicare/caid. A team outlook with your Nurse and the patients DR being team leaders. You need to find a way to get as much billed out as possible.

Are you going to charge by the hour or by assignment (ie: DX:COPD, prognosis 3months to live = cost $6,000.00)

I would start looking at small home healthcare businesses a talk to them about what does it take to start billing insurances, medicare, medicaid... Reality the majority of people cannot afford self pay medical care. I know it will take a lot more time and energy to get billing, but I think in the long run it pay of big.

Good Luck

[agentleguide]

Hi there, please know that you are right on. This is a growing field. When I started doing it back in 2006, there was hardly anyone doing it and it really has grown tremendously.