Palliative Care
Palliative Care
Specialized medical care focused on providing relief from symptoms and improving quality of life for people with serious illnesses
What is Palliative Care?
Key Features:
- Can be provided alongside curative treatment
- Available at any stage of illness
- Focuses on symptom control and quality of life
- Includes support for families and loved ones
- Improves communication with healthcare team
- Different from hospice care
Services Provided:
- Advanced pain management and symptom control
- Care coordination with other doctors
- Emotional support and counseling
- Spiritual care and chaplain services
- Family support and education
- Help with treatment decision making
Common Misconceptions
Myths:
- "Palliative care means giving up"
- "It's only for end-of-life"
- "It means stopping treatment"
- "It's the same as hospice"
Facts:
- Can improve treatment outcomes
- Available at any disease stage
- Works alongside other treatments
- Different from hospice care
The Palliative Care Team
Palliative Care Physician or Advanced Practice Provider
Specializes in symptom management and pain control
Assists with discussions regarding treatment decisions and overall goals of care
Nurse
Provides ongoing care and patient education
Social Worker
Helps with resources and family support
Chaplain
Provides spiritual and emotional support
Pharmacist
Optimizes medication regimens
Other Specialists
Dietitians, therapists, counselors as needed
When to Consider Palliative Care
Signs you may benefit from palliative care
Consider palliative care if you have:
- A serious illness like cancer, heart failure, COPD, or kidney disease
- Symptoms that affect your quality of life
- Frequent hospitalizations
- Stress about treatment decisions
- Need for better communication with your medical team
Benefits of Palliative Care
How palliative care helps patients and families
For Patients:
- Better symptom control
- Improved quality of life
- Better communication with doctors
- Help with treatment decisions
- Emotional and spiritual support
- May extend life in some cases
For Families:
- Education about the illness
- Support during difficult times
- Help with caregiving
- Assistance with difficult decisions
- Counseling and coping strategies
- Coordination of care
How to Access Palliative Care
Getting started with palliative care services
In the Hospital:
- Ask your doctor for a referral
- Request to speak with a social worker
- Contact the hospital's palliative care team
- Ask family members to advocate for you
As an Outpatient:
- Ask your primary care doctor (or specialist)
- Search: Get Palliative Care directory
- Call local hospitals for programs
Insurance and Cost
Understanding coverage options
Good News About Coverage:
- Most insurance plans cover palliative care
- Medicare covers palliative care services
- Medicaid typically covers these services
- Many private insurers provide coverage
- Hospital-based palliative care is usually covered
What to Ask Your Insurance:
- Is palliative care covered under my plan?
- Do I need a referral from my primary doctor?
- What is my copay or deductible?
- Are there preferred providers?
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Team
Important questions to consider
Questions to Ask:
- Would palliative care be helpful for my condition?
- How would palliative care work with my current treatment?
- What palliative care services are available here?
- Can you refer me to a palliative care specialist?
- How will this affect my other treatments?
- What should I expect from palliative care?
- How will my family be involved?
