Medicare Hospice Question

I am hoping somone can direct me to documentation instead of having to dig through CMS manuals. Does anyone know if a terminal patient can change his Attending MD with the hospice &, therefore, Medicare prior to establishing care with that MD? We received a call from a gentleman whose previous Oncologist has essentailly abandoned him due to his stage, but he still has questions related to his cancer and progression. Thanks for any help.

re: Medicare Hospice Question

The Hospice physician is responsible for all care related to why he is in Hospice. Unrelated care can be provided for other diagnosis by physician of choice. The hospice physician is “responsible for the palliation and management of the terminal illness and conditions related to the terminal illness.” Thus, the hospice physician has a responsibility for the plan of care.