Frequently Asked Questions
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative Care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness. It is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness or chronic disease with the goal of improving the quality of life for the patient and family. Palliative Care can also address emotional and spiritual concerns and coordinate care. It is appropriate at any age, for any diagnosis, at any stage in a serious illness and can be provided along with curative treatment.
How is Hospice different from Palliative Care?
Hospice Care is for people with a prognosis of 6 months or less. It is not intended for patients pursuing curative treatments.
Palliative Care is available early in the course of an illness, and can begin at diagnosis of a serious illness. It can be delivered concurrently with disease-directed, life-prolonging therapies/curative treatments.
How do I get Palliative Care?
Ask for it! Tell your doctors, nurses, family and caregivers that you want Palliative Care.
How do I pay for Palliative Care?
Many insurances cover Palliative Care. Patients may also pay cash for services.
What can Palliative Care do for me?
Palliative Care can help you with decisions of what to do about your care and illness. It can help you know what to expect and what resources are available. Understanding treatment options, pros and cons of treatment, and matching your goals to your care is what Palliative Care specializes in. Palliative Care also treats pain and symptoms to make sure you are comfortable, and coordinates with your own doctor. It also can guide you through any Advance Care Planning, living wills and advance directives. Honoring your wishes and advocating for you is the central focus of Palliative Care.
What insurances do you accept?
Many insurances will cover Palliative Care, especially Medicare Advantage PPOs. Medicare and Medicaid, Cigna, Humana, Aetna, BCBS of Florida, and United are accepted. Others insurances are pending.