Palliative Care

Palliative care is for patients at any stage of illness. You may receive this type of care even if you are not close to death – or you do not have a terminal illness (one leading to death).

Palliative care is designed to keep you out of the hospital and emergency department. It manages your pain or the symptoms that come with serious or chronic (long-lasting) illness.

Your health care provider and team of specialists work together to provide the best quality of care for you and your family.

When is Palliative Care Right for Me?

  • Are you struggling with a new diagnosis?
  • Were you recently admitted to the hospital?
  • Do you visit the emergency department often?
  • Do you suffer from pain, anxiety, or other symptoms caused by a chronic illness?
  • Are you receiving healing treatment?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, then palliative care is for you!

Who Pays for Palliative Care?

Palliative care is a medical specialty. It is covered by some insurance plans, including Medicare.

Where Will I Receive Palliative Care?

You may receive palliative care wherever you are now living--in your home, the hospital, some outpatient clinics, or in a facility.

How Can I Get Palliative Care?

JUST ASK! Anyone can ask for palliative care. This includes you (the patient), your health care provider, friends, a family member, or a social service agency.

Palliative Care vs Hospice Care (table)
Palliative Care Hospice Care
No terminal diagnosis required: Patient has serious or chronic illness(es) Terminal diagnosis with prognosis of 6 months or less: It's predicted that the patient will live 6 months or less
Chronic care management End-of-life care
Continue healing treatment Stop healing treatment

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