Is Palliative Care Appropriate for Me?
Palliative care may be appropriate for individuals with serious illnesses who are experiencing pain or other symptoms. You may want to consider palliative care if you or your loved one:
- Suffers from pain or other ongoing symptoms due to a serious illness
- Experiences physical or emotional pain that is not under control
- Has a prolonged stay in the hospital without signs of progress
- Needs help understanding the disease process and coordinating care
- Needs to establish goals of care and consider further steps for treatment
- Wants help with advance care planning or obtaining a living will
- Needs to establish a process for making decisions on life-prolonging treatment such as a Do Not Resuscitate or Allow Natural Death order
- Needs holistic care (looking at the entire person and addressing all considerations of treatment and care)
Will My Insurance Cover Palliative Care?
Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover palliative care. If costs concern you, a social worker or financial consultant from LewisGale can help you explore options.
How Do I Begin Palliative Care?
Speak with your physician or primary caregiver about receiving palliative care resources at one of our hospitals.
Will the Palliative Care Team Replace My Primary Doctor?
No. Our palliative care team works closely with your doctor to determine a care plan that best improves your quality of life.
Who Makes Up My Palliative Care Team?
At LewisGale, our experienced palliative care team consists of:
- Doctors and advanced practice nurses with palliative care expertise
- Social workers
- Pharmacists
- Nutritionists
- Counselors
- Clergy
What Happens When I Leave the Hospital?
When you leave the hospital, our palliative care team will help you make a successful transition to your home, hospice or the next level of care.