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For healthcare professionals

Partner with us to give your patients expert end-of-life care. We take referrals 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Why Refer to Us

A trusted hospice partner

Santa Maria Hospice works closely with physicians, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health agencies throughout the Central Coast, so patients move to hospice care without a gap.

  • 01

    Rapid admission

    Most patients are admitted within 24–48 hours of referral. We work quickly to ensure continuity of care.

  • 02

    Seamless coordination

    Our team coordinates with attending physicians, discharge planners, and facility staff to ensure smooth transitions.

  • 03

    Joint Commission accredited

    Our Gold Seal of Approval reflects an independent review of our quality and patient-safety standards.

  • 04

    Comprehensive IDT

    Patients receive care from a full interdisciplinary team — physicians, RNs, social workers, chaplains, aides, and volunteers.

Make a Referral

How to refer a patient

Physicians, discharge planners, social workers, nurses, and any other healthcare professional can refer a patient. We also accept referrals from patients and families directly.

  • Phone

    (805) 361-0264

    Call any hour to start a referral. Our intake team answers around the clock.

  • Fax

    (805) 361-0278

    Fax referral orders and patient information directly to our intake department.

Eligibility

Clinical eligibility overview

Hospice eligibility requires certification by both the attending physician and the hospice medical director.

Terminal diagnosis with a prognosis of 6 months or less if disease follows its normal course
Patient/family elects comfort-focused care over curative treatment
Certification by attending physician and hospice medical director
Any diagnosis qualifies — cancer, heart disease, COPD, dementia, ALS, renal failure, liver disease, stroke, HIV/AIDS, failure to thrive, and more

Not sure if a patient qualifies? Call us at (805) 361-0264. Our clinical team can conduct a pre-admission evaluation at no charge.

Referral Information

What to include in a referral

  • Patient name, date of birth, and contact information
  • Primary diagnosis and relevant secondary diagnoses
  • Attending physician name and contact information
  • Current medications and treatment plan
  • Patient location (home, facility, hospital)
  • Insurance information (Medicare/Medicaid/private)
  • Advance directives or POLST if available
  • Any urgent needs or special considerations

Don't have all this information? That's okay. Our intake team can work with what you have and gather the rest.

Ready to make a referral?

Our intake team is available 24/7 to assist with referrals. Call (805) 361-0264 or fax (805) 361-0278.

Call our intake team