FAQs palliative consultations
WHAT IS PALLIATIVE CARE? Palliative care is a specialized medical approach that focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals who have a serious illness. It aims to provide relief from symptoms, pain, and stress, regardless of the diagnosis or prognosis. Palliative care addresses physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs, and it can be provided alongside curative treatment. The goal is to enhance comfort, improve communication, and support the overall well-being of patients and their families.
WHAT IS THE GOAL OF PALLIATIVE CARE OR PALLIATIVE MEDICINE? The goal of palliative care is to improve the quality of life for individuals facing potentially serious illnesses. It focuses on providing relief from many symptoms such as pain, nausea, anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue (to name a few). Palliative care aims to enhance comfort, support patients and their families in making informed decisions, and improve communication between healthcare providers and patients. It ultimately aims to promote the overall well-being of patients.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SYMPTOMS PALLIATIVE MEDICINE AIMS TO ADDRESS? Some of the common symptoms that palliative care aims to address include: Pain. Nausea. Fatigue. Loss of appetite. Anxiety. Depression. Insomnia. Muscle cramps. Inflammation. Headaches. It is important to note that palliative care is individualized and tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient, providing symptom management to enhance overall well-being.
WHAT IS THE RIGHT TIME TO CONSIDER PALLIATIVE CARE? The right time to consider palliative care depends on your individual needs and goals. Palliative care can be beneficial at any stage of an illness, regardless of the prognosis.
IS PALLIATIVE CARE ONLY FOR PEOPLE WITH CANCER? No. Palliative care can be offered to a patient with any diagnosis or prognosis. It focuses on relieving symptoms such as pain, nausea, poor appetite, anxiety, insomnia and depression.
CAN PALLIATIVE CARE BE PROVIDED ALONGSIDE CURATIVE TREATMENTS? Yes. Palliative care is an approach that focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals with potentially serious or life-limiting illnesses. It does not replace or interfere with curative tretaments, but rather, works alongside them to provide holistic care. It is important to note that palliative care can be introduced at any stage of the illness, from the time of diagnosis onwards. It is not limited to end-of-life care and can be provided alongside curative treatments throughout the course of the illness.
I DON'T LIKE THE THOUGHT OF HOSPICE, BUT WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT IT? While the thought of hospice care can be difficult to accept, it is important to have a clear understanding of what hospice entails. Hospice care prioritizes the comfort and quality of life for individuals with a life expectancy of six months or less. The focus is on managing pain and symptoms, providing emotional and spiritual support, and enhancing the overall well-being of the patient.
WHAT IS HOSPICE CARE? Hospice care is typically provided when curative or life-prolonging treatments are no longer effective or desired. It is focused on end-of-life care and is provided when a patient has a life expectancy of six months or less.
WHAT IS THE GOAL OF HOSPICE CARE? Hospice care aims to provide comfort and support to patients in their final stages of life. It focuses on symptom management and the goal is to help patients live as comfortably as possible in their remaining time.
WHERE IS HOSPICE CARE USUALLY PROVIDED? Hospice care can be provided in a variety of settings. including the patient's home, hospice centers, nursing homes or other long-term care facilities.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PALLIATIVE CARE AND HOSPICE CARE? Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments and is not limited to end-of-life care. Hospice care, on the other hand, is specifically focused on end-of-life care and is provided when curative treatments are no longer the primary goal. BOTH services focus on symptom management.
CAN NURSING HOME PATIENTS ALSO HAVE HOSPICE CARE? Yes. Hospice care can be provided at any place of residence; whether it be the patient's home, nursing home, assisted living facility orany other type of residence.
WHAT DOES A PALLIATIVE CONSULT COST? The cost for a 30 minute consultation (either in person or virtually) is being offered for an introductory rate of $120.
DOES INSURANCE COVER THE COST OF A PALLIATIVE CONSULT WITH CGS PHYSICIAN SERVICES? No. Insurance plans do not cover this fee. However, you may use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay.
WILL I NEED A REFERRAL FOR A PALLIATIVE CONSULTATION? No. You can make an appointment without a referral.
WHAT CAN A PALLIATIVE CONSULT DO FOR YOU? It can save you TIME. No more wasting valuable time waiting for a specialist consult in the next few weeks or months. Get an expert medical opinion today!  Telehealth services offer significant advantages, particularly in reclaiming lost time, which is a common issue faced by individuals with chronic illnesses. It can save you MONEY. Medical consults can be very expensive when you factor in all of the out-of-pocket costs including (but not limited to) traveling to the physician's office (which is not always local) and the hefty office visit fee. It can DECREASE PAIN AND SUFFERING. The time spent seeking specialists, making phone calls to schedule in-person visits, and traveling to and waiting in medical offices can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Get comfortable in your own home and log in to schedule your meeting.
DO I NEED TO SEND MY MEDICAL RECORDS TO YOU? Yes, medical records are highly recommended in order to get a complete understanding of your medical condition(s). You may upload your records to us electronically. Our site is SSL secured and HIPPA compliant.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PALLIATIVE CONSULT? This medical consultation does not include prescriptions, emergency services or follow up care. This service is not intended to take the place of your current physician's care; but rather, serve alongside it.
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