Chagas disease is caused by a parasite. It is common in Latin America but not in the United States. Infected blood-sucking bugs, sometimes called kissing bugs, spread it. When the bug bites you, usually on your face, it leaves behind infected waste. You can get the infection if you rub it in your eyes or nose, the bite wound or a cut.
In brief: Hours, months,longer. Generally, patients' are certified up to six months and that length of time can be extended by the Medical Director of the hospice organization. On average patients usually stay on the hospice service for 14 days. But case range is from hours to days to months and in some select cases years. The goal is to keep patient's be in the least restrictive environment. http://www.vitas.com/about-us/fast-facts.
Benefit Periods. Hospice care is provided in three benefit periods, and each benefit period requires prior authorization. The first two periods are each 90 days. The final period comprises an unlimited number of 60-day periods, each of which requires recertification of the terminal illness.