Hospice, Inc.

Metropolitan

    
Guide to Eligibility  Diagnoses   Q & A
Muscular Dystrophy
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The patient must meet at least one of the following criteria:

Critically impaired breathing capacity with all of the following findings
  • Dyspnea at rest
  • Vital capacity less than 30%
  • The requirement of supplemental oxygen at rest
  • The patient declines artificial ventilation
OR
Rapid disease progression and either a or b below
  • Progression from independent ambulation to wheelchair or bed-bound status
  • Progression from normal to barely intelligible or unintelligible speech
  • Progression from normal to barely intelligible or unintelligible speech
  • Progression from normal to pureed diet
  • Progression from independence in most or all Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) to needing major assistance by caretaker in all ADLs

 

Critical nutritional impairment demonstrated by all of the following in the preceding twelve (12) months
  • Oral intake of nutrients and fluids insufficient to sustain life
  • Continuing weight loss
  • Dehydration or hypovolemia
  • Absence of artificial feeding methods
OR
Life-threatening complications demonstrated by one or more of the following in the preceding twelve (12) months
  • Recurrent aspiration pneumonia (with or without tube feedings) Upper urinary tract infection (e.g., pyelonephritis)
  • Sepsis
  • Recurrent fever after antibiotic therapy
  • Stage 3 or Stage 4 decubitus ulcer(s)
    In the absence of one or more of the above findings, rapid decline or comorbidities may also support eligibility for hospice care.