Palliative Care FAQs

Palliative care helps patients with serious illness live as well and fully as possible. It can help at all stages of illness and be provided along with other treatments. Palliative care helps treat pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and other physical symptoms. Palliative care also provides emotional and spiritual support to patients and families, and helps them make decisions and coordinate care.

Palliative care can be provided by any member of your care team, including your primary care provider, specialist, nurse, social worker, or chaplain. Some patients may also benefit from a consultation with a palliative care specialist.

Anyone with a serious illness can receive palliative care, regardless of stage of illness or other treatment plans.

No. Palliative care can be delivered at any point in time during a serious illness. It is appropriate for people who expect to get better and people who do not.

Palliative care can be provided anywhere, including in the hospital, at a nursing facility, or at home.

Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover some medical services that are considered palliative care. For specific information about your coverage, contact your insurance plan.

Yes. In fact, your current primary and specialty care team are often the providers delivering palliative care.
And if you do see a palliative care specialist, you can continue to see your current care providers as well.