GUARDIAN ANGELS HOME HEALTH & HOSPICE

Cancer

LCD Guidelines

Hospice admission guidelines for cancer

Note: Certain cancers with particularly poor prognoses — such as small cell lung cancer, brain tumors, or pancreatic cancer — may qualify for hospice care without needing to meet the other outlined criteria.

1. Distant Metastasis

Cancer diagnosed with distant metastasis at the time of presentation.

2. Disease Progression

  • Progression from an earlier stage to metastatic cancer
  • Continued decline despite treatment
  • Patient chooses to forgo further disease-control treatment
Comparative Data

What clinical decline can look like

An illustrative comparison our clinical team may use when assessing disease progression over time.

Tumor Growth

Grown from the size of a golf ball to a softball.

Decline in Activity

Once left the room for activities; now mostly confined to their room.

Comorbid Conditions

Conditions such as CHF, COPD and others are present.

Reduced Intake

Down from all meals to just one per day, with taste changes and weight loss.

Depression & Anxiety

Once social, now withdrawn with reduced communication.

Skin Changes

Pallor, lesions, non-healing wounds, bruising, and a dusky appearance.

Comorbidities

Conditions often seen alongside this diagnosis

Always Ready to Help

Our caring team is here to support you and your loved ones, ready to discuss how our services can bring comfort and peace during this time.

Areas We Serve

Proudly serving families across Metro Phoenix

Call us at (480) 565-7558 for inquiries.

Areas We Serve

Proudly serving families across Metro Phoenix

Call us at (480) 565-7558 for inquiries.