You don't really need to consult a palliative medicine physician to determine if a patient qualifies for hospice. In broad brush strokes: If you and the specialists involved with patient's care expect the patient to die within 6 months, then they qualify for out-patient hospice services. If the patient is expected to die within 5 days, then they qualify for in-patient hospice. A palliative medicine consult is always appropriate for symptom management but not required for hospice referral.