Paracentesis on hospice

Our agency will cover paracentesis for symptom management under the circumstances you described above. It is decided on a case by case basis by members of our IDT team (including the hospice manager and medical director).

Yes we do as it is a symptom management issue- in cases that fluid is building up quickly and pt is requiring multiple paracentisis a month, I use to talk with the MD about starting aldactone (which did help).

Does your agency provide paracentisis when a PleureX catheter is contraindicated?

I know it is expensive but it is symptom management.

Your thoughts?

The agency I worked for did support it as symptom management measure. The medical director would call the outpat dept of the hospital and schedule the procedure.

It does not happen often though as pleurx have become much more common.

Although pleurex catheters are more common, if there is a need for paracentesis it is done.

Does your agency provide paracentisis when a PleureX catheter is contraindicated?

I know it is expensive but it is symptom management.

Your thoughts?

Would you mind explaining how a pleurx catheter would be contraindicated in this situation?

Hospice should be able to provide a paracentesis in the home.

I have never worked for a hospice that didn't include such symptom management in their bag of tricks.