Mike Salmon Leaves Hospice After 4 Months as 6% of Patients Are Discharged Alive

2 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Aug 13

Mike Salmon was discharged from hospice in May after four months of care, when doctors judged his aortic aneurysm and sepsis had stabilized enough that he was no longer likely to die within six months.
At home, hospice care appeared to help his recovery: better pain and sleep management, less hospital exposure, and more mobility and food helped him regain weight and strength.
About 6% of hospice patients are discharged alive each year, often because Medicare requires repeated six-month terminal prognoses and audits providers for patients deemed not sick enough.
That process can be jarring for sicker patients because agencies may give only two days' notice, forcing families to quickly replace equipment, prescriptions, and aides.
The experience underscores practical lessons for families: compare hospice ratings, know discharge and appeal rights, keep records, involve the regular doctor, and seek reenrollment if health declines again.