What is palliative care?

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What is palliative care? It is provided to patients with advanced diseases who seek to improve their quality of life and help ease their suffering. Because it is interdisciplinary care, it includes hospice care as one of the specific types of palliative care that is delivered to people who have 6 months or less to live. Palliative care is typically delivered in hospitals but is also available for patients who wish to be treated at home and, less frequently, in outpatient clinics. Who needs palliative care? Patients facing life-limiting disease and their families. The doctor will recommend it at any point in the disease process, regardless of the life expectancy of a patient and the need for other therapies. Life-limiting diseases include but are not limited to Alzheimer's disease, cancer, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, heart disease, kidney disease, lung disease, and many more. What is the goal of palliative care? Like hospice care, it is focused on managing pain, symptoms, and issues on quality of life. The only difference is that anyone diagnosed with a life-limiting illness receives palliative care and not someone who has six months or less to live. As specialized medical care, a palliative care team consists of specially trained doctors, nurses, and other specialists who all work together to ensure your comfort and pain relief. Nurses and other specialists provide an extra layer of support for palliative care doctors. • Help a patient better understand their disease and diagnosis • Help relieve patient symptoms and distress • Help clarify treatment goals and options • Assist with making medical decisions and coordinate with other doctors • Help understand a patient's ability or the lack thereof to cope with their illness and provide the necessary support. With palliative care, your quality of life will be improved despite the presence of a disease. It can help you carry on with your daily life and help you go through medical treatments. Palliative Care and Insurance Plans Like other hospital and medical services, all or part of palliative care is also covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Consult with a social worker or a financial advisor from your palliative care team regarding any cost concerns you might have, including payment options. Medicare Part A Coverage • Receive palliative care in your community • Nursing care • Social work • Spiritual care visits and more Medicare Part B Coverage • Some services and supplies for disease treatment • Some palliative care treatments and medications • Visits from doctors and more Private Insurance Plans Coverage Prestige Palliative Care Pharmacy provides Medication Therapy Management (MTM) for chronic care, hospice care, and long-term care patients. Speak to one of our licensed Prestige Pharmacy palliative care pharmacist today at 1-877-PHARMA1. Visit us at www.prestigepharmacymi.com.