If you need hospice care today in Austin or Travis County, you can start with a same day evaluation. This guide shows you how to begin, who can make the referral, what paperwork you need, and what happens during the visit. It also explains Medicare basics so you know what to expect with coverage and timing. 

Medicare eligibility requires your hospice doctor and your regular doctor, if you have one, to certify a life expectancy of six months or less, your choice of comfort-focused care, and a signed election of the hospice benefit. 

When a Same Day Evaluation Makes Sense

You may choose a same day hospice evaluation if any of the following are true:

• Symptoms are changing quickly, such as pain, shortness of breath, agitation, or weakness.
  
• Your doctor has discussed shifting goals to comfort-focused care.
  
• You are a caregiver who needs help coordinating equipment, medications, and after-hours support.

In Austin, several providers strive to respond the same day or within 24 to 48 hours. Some programs explicitly offer same day appointments or admissions when appropriate, while others describe a typical 24–48 hour window. Knowing this range helps you set expectations and ask for the right level of urgency. 

Who Can Request Hospice Today

• You or a family member can call to request an evaluation directly.
  
• Your physician or hospital team can send a referral.
  
• A facility partner such as an assisted living or skilled nursing community can coordinate with hospice on your behalf.
  

Local providers confirm that anyone can begin the referral process, not only a physician. This helps families move faster when needs arise at home or in a facility. 

Step-By-Step: How Same Day Hospice Evaluation Works In Austin

• Step 1: Make the Call. Call our care team at (737) 240-3003 . Share your location, diagnosis if known, current symptoms, and any urgent concerns. If you already spoke with a doctor or hospital, let us know. Many Austin-area programs accept calls 24/7 and begin coordination right away, including after hours.
• Step 2: Gather Essentials. While we coordinate the visit, collect what you have on hand:
  
  Medication list and recent changes
  • Insurance cards and photo ID
    
  • Names of physicians and preferred pharmacy
    
  • Advance directive or medical power of attorney, if available
    
    Do not delay calling if you cannot find every document. The evaluation can proceed while we help track down records.
• Step 3: Nurse Evaluation. A hospice nurse meets you where you are, often the same day, to assess symptoms, safety needs, and goals for comfort. The nurse reviews medications, teaches what to watch for, and outlines immediate support like equipment and on-call access. Across the Austin market, admissions timing can vary based on clinical needs, location, and paperwork. Some providers report same day admission in appropriate cases, while others typically admit within 24-48 hours.
• Step 4: Eligibility and Election. If hospice is appropriate and you choose to proceed, the team confirms eligibility and helps you sign the hospice election. Medicare requires certification by the hospice medical director and your doctor, acceptance of comfort-focused care, and a signed election of the benefit. Read more about hospice eligibility guidelines to understand the whole process.
• Step 5: Start of Care. Once admitted, the team sets up your first visits, delivers medications and supplies related to the terminal diagnosis, and activates 24/7 on-call support for urgent needs. If symptoms are severe, the team can arrange higher levels of care to stabilize the situation, including short-term inpatient care when medically necessary. Local organizations describe these rapid setups and care transitions as part of the standard process when starting hospice care in Austin.

What To Expect During the First 24-48 Hours

• Symptom plan: Clear instructions for pain, shortness of breath, nausea, or anxiety.
  
• Medication review: Adjustments to align with comfort goals.
  
• Equipment and supplies: Delivery of items like a hospital bed or oxygen, when needed.
  
• Team introductions: Nurse, hospice aide, social worker, and chaplain.
  
• 24/7 support: How to reach a nurse any time for urgent changes or questions.

Competitor sites outline pieces of this timeline, but details are often split across pages. This guide puts the steps in one place so you can act quickly.

Medicare Basics 

Medicare covers hospice for people who meet all of these conditions:

1. The hospice doctor and your regular doctor, if you have one, certify a life expectancy of six months or less if the illness runs its usual course.
   
2. You choose comfort-focused care instead of treatments aimed at cure for the terminal illness.
   
3. You sign a statement electing the hospice benefit.

If you qualify, Medicare typically covers the hospice team’s visits, related medications, certain equipment and supplies, and different levels of care to manage symptoms. The election and admission must meet Medicare’s conditions of participation, which your hospice will guide you through. 

Same Day vs. 24-48 Hours: Setting Realistic Expectations

• Same day visit: Often possible for evaluation and urgent symptom assessment. Some programs can complete admission the same day when criteria are met.
  
• Within 24-48 hours: Common window for full admission, equipment delivery, and medication setup when needs are less urgent or logistics require coordination.

As you call, describe the urgency and current symptoms. This helps the team prioritize the right response.

What Families in Austin Often Ask

Can I request hospice without my doctor’s referral?
Yes. You, a family member, or a friend can begin a referral. The hospice team coordinates with your doctor to confirm eligibility and complete the plan. 

Is care only at home?
Hospice care can be provided at home, in assisted living, in skilled nursing, or in a hospice inpatient setting when symptoms need intensive support. Austin has inpatient options when medically necessary. 

If symptoms are out of control, can help come quickly?
Yes. Programs describe urgent response, with the ability to escalate to higher levels of care to stabilize symptoms. Many accept calls at all hours. 

Quick Checklist: Be Ready for Today’s Evaluation

• Save our number: (737) 240-3003
  
• Gather medications and recent doctor notes
  
• Place advance directive or medical power of attorney on the counter
  
• List top three goals for comfort today
  
• Share any urgent symptoms that need fast relief
  

Next Steps In Austin And Travis County

Call(737) 240-3003now for guidance on eligibility and timing. You can also send us a message to start a conversation and ask for  same day evaluation in Austin. We will listen, explain your options, and create a plan that brings comfort and peace of mind.