Frequently Asked Questions

Is Palliative Care the same as end-of-life-care?

No. Palliative Care is appropriate at any age and at any stage in a serious illness. Palliative Care can be provided at the same time as curative treatment.

Research indicates that Palliative Care, when offered alongside treatments, can actually prolong a patient’s life and provide a better quality of life. Palliative Care seeks to help a person live well, for as long as possible by caring for the whole person. This means that our Palliative Care team address more than just physical needs. We provide emotional, spiritual and practical support for both the patient, caregiver and family.

What is the difference between Palliative Care and Hospice Care?

Palliative Care is specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness. This type of care is focused on relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. The goal is to improve the quality of life for both the patient and the caregivers or family.

Hospice Care is a just one part or layer of Palliative Care. Hospice provides an added layer of support as an illness progresses towards end of life care. Hospice care is only appropriate in the last six months of life. To learn more about the St. Elizabeth Hospice Program, click here.

Do You Offer Holistic Therapies?

While traditional medications are often key to pain relief, they are not the only option. The team may suggest that you consider holistic treatments, in additional to traditional medications. This may include music and pet therapies as well as acupuncture, mindfulness exercises or massage. Visit our Integrative Therapy Department for more information on our holistic therapies.

Who are the members of My Care Team?

Palliative Care is provided by a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, chaplains, and others who listen to patient’s goals of care and align their treatments with what is important to them. They address more than just physical needs, providing emotional and spiritual support.

As you deal with the physical aspects of your diagnosis, you are also likely to experience other sources of distress in your life. Sometimes, that distress occurs with your initial diagnosis and treatment. But it can occur at other times.

Some people, for instance, experience more distress when they complete treatment, when they return to their doctor for follow-up visits, or when they notice a new symptom and wonder if it’s cancer-related. Likewise, distress may be more prevalent if your treatment does not seem to be working or your cancer returns.

At whatever point you need help, the Palliative Care team is there for you. Complete the following checklist. Use it as starting point for conversation with your care team as they determine how best to help you. Check those boxes that represent recent concerns for you.

Am I a candidate for Palliative Care?

Will my insurance cover Palliative Care?

Most insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid cover all or part of palliative care, just as with other hospital and medical services. If costs concern you, a social worker or financial consultant from the palliative care team can help you with payment options. You can also view the updated St. Elizabeth insurance carriers here.

Do I have to give up my own doctor?

No. The Palliative Care team provides an extra layer of support and works in partnership with your primary doctor.

A referral from your provider makes it easier for your Primary Care team and the Palliative Care team to discuss your needs and collaborate in the earliest stages of your treatment. However, we do not require a referral.

In most cases, you and the core members of the team will have an initial joint meeting. This meeting may take place in the hospital while you’re an inpatient, or at the Palliative Care Clinic in the St. Elizabeth Cancer Center on our Edgewood campus. The team will spend as much time with you as necessary to fully assess your needs.

Once we have a good understanding of your situation, concerns and goals, we’ll work with you to form a plan of care. Your plan might include prescribed treatments, family meetings or referrals to local resources. Follow-up appointments, phone calls or meetings will be based on your specific needs.