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Hospice Care vs Palliative Care

Understanding Your Care Options

Understanding the similarities and differences between hospice and palliative care can help individuals choose the most appropriate service. We are available to help decide which may be best for you and your loved one.

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What do palliative care and hospice care have in common?

  • Both provide comfort care and are an extra layer of support to patients and their loved ones.

  • Both provide expert symptom management for patients with life limiting illness.

  • Both reduce the stress and suffering of patients living with serious illnesses.

  • Both are provided in the place that the patient calls home.

  • Both focus on quality of life in accordance with the patient's goals and wishes

Differences between Hospice Care and Palliative Care...

Hospice Care

Palliative Care

Physician must certify that patient has six months or less prognosis.

Care begins at any stage of the serious illness and requires a physician order.

Care is provided without curative or aggressive treatment.

Care may be combined with curative or aggressive treatment.

Nurses and hospice aides visit an average of two times weekly. Social Worker and Chaplain visits usually occur one to two times per month, but all visits are scheduled according to an individualized plan of care which may increase or decrease as patient needs change.

Specialist visits by Nurse Practitioners are provided much like a physician consultation visit on an as-needed basis and according to medical need. Social Workers and Chaplains are available if needed.

A registered nurse and social worker or chaplain are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week for phone consultation or visits as needed.

A nurse practitioner is available for phone consultation after hours or on weekends for emergencies, much like a physician office.

Hospice care is paid for by Medicare Part A, Medicaid and most private insurance.

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Medicaid equipment, supplies and medications related to the terminal prognosis are provided by hospice and covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance.

Visits are paid for like a physician visit by Medicare (Part B), Medicaid and most private insurance.

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Standard co-pays and deductibles apply.

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Medical equipment, supplies and medications are paid seperately by insurance and/or self pay.

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