Hospice in its present form is a new therapy based on an old concept. Physicians' unfamiliarity with the dying process has limited the expansion and acceptance of palliative medicine at this point. Communication between hospice and physicians is paramount to improve the care of the terminally ill and to advance hospice both from a business and educational standpoint. The role of hospice in medical care may be treated as a specialty consultation service. Using the "three As" of specialty consultation—availability, affability, and ability—hospice can provide exceptional care for the patient as well as individualized service for the physician.
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