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Palliative Medicine

WHAT IS PALLIATIVE CARE?

The aim of palliative (pal–lee–uh–tiv) care is to ease suffering caused by a life-threatening or life-limiting illness or injury. It is a medical specialty with a team approach. You can get palliative care at the same time you get treatments that are meant to cure you.

Palliative Medicine Services can:

• Control difficult symptoms like pain, nausea, and shortness-of-breath
• Partner with you and your family to make medical decisions and treatment choices
• Listen and give support at all stages of illness and injury
  

WHO IS ON THE PALLIATIVE MEDICINE TEAM?

• Doctors
• Advance practice nurses
• Chaplains
• Social workers
• Pharmacists
  

IS PALLIATIVE CARE THE SAME AS HOSPICE?

No, although the main goal of care is the same: Quality of Life. Hospice care is available for those facing a life-threatening illness who choose to no longer pursue life-prolonging treatment.

HOW DO I GET PALLIATIVE CARE?

Ask your doctor for a referral or your doctor may ask us to help with your medical care. The doctor or nurse will meet with you and your family and talk about things like:

• What is your understanding of your current condition?
• What is important for you to talk about today?
• What are your hopes and fears?
• Who do you count on for support?
• What else would you like us to know about you?
• What questions do you have for us?
• How can we help with your symptoms?
• How can we help you feel better today?
  

Palliative care isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Patients have many different illnesses and injuries. We realize every patient and family has different goals and values. Your answers to these questions will guide us as we partner in your medical care.

WHO PAYS FOR PALLIATIVE CARE?

Medicare and most insurance carriers cover palliative medicine consults.