Q: I hear Monroe Clinic offers a palliative care program to its patients. What is palliative care and who is it for?
A: The importance of "whole person" health care is a concept Monroe Clinic has embraced since its beginnings. In many ways, palliative care is rooted in the guiding principle that the most effective health care addresses the emotional, spiritual and physical needs of each patient.
If you have never heard of palliative care, let me explain. This form of care is designed to improve quality of life for patients with life-limiting illness and their families. While it does not replace curative care (care focused on overcoming disease and promoting recovery), it works in partnership with the patient's primary provider and other medical specialists to provide:
• Medical management of pain and symptoms such as problems with breathing, nausea, depression, loss of appetite or fatigue
• Psychological and spiritual support for patients and their families
• Advance care planning and assistance with medical decision-making
• Communication and coordination between the patient, family members and other healthcare providers
Because each patient's condition and personal needs are unique to that individual, so is the palliative care approach. The palliative care team customizes the treatment plan to address the diverse needs of the patient, whether it is pain relief, spiritual support or education on preparing for future medical decisions.
Palliative differs from hospice
While palliative care is a cornerstone of hospice care, it is not the same thing. Hospice care is focused on the needs of terminally ill patients, and it is most often provided during patients' final months. While palliative care is available to the terminally ill, it is also available to patients who are receiving curative treatment. Palliative care may be provided at anytime during a person's illness, even from the time of diagnosis.
Palliative care at Monroe Clinic
Monroe Clinic began offering palliative care in August 2008 in both the clinic and hospital settings. As the leading physician for the palliative care team, I also see patients in nursing homes and make occasional home visits as medically appropriate.
The decision to bring a comprehensive palliative care program to patients is based on several factors:
• Palliative care offers providers with a support network for their patients with life-limiting illnesses who are dealing with complex pain or symptom management issues.
• As the demographics shift to reflect a population that is aging and living longer, palliative care addresses the changing needs of our patients.
• Most importantly, palliative care aims to improve the quality of care and the quality of life for patients by helping them feel better during their illness, make informed medical decisions and navigate the sometimes-complicated medical system.
Learning more about palliative care
Patients currently receiving treatment at Monroe Clinic who want to learn if palliative care may be right for them should start by consulting their primary care provider. More information about the program is available by contacting (608) 324-2811 or (608) 324-2685.
Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover all or part of palliative care treatment received in the hospital. Drugs, medical supplies and equipment may also be covered. Patients should consult with their insurance provider to learn more.
- Gaines Richardson, MD, provides care focused on improving the quality of life and meeting the needs of patients and their families who are working through life-limiting illnesses.
A: The importance of "whole person" health care is a concept Monroe Clinic has embraced since its beginnings. In many ways, palliative care is rooted in the guiding principle that the most effective health care addresses the emotional, spiritual and physical needs of each patient.
If you have never heard of palliative care, let me explain. This form of care is designed to improve quality of life for patients with life-limiting illness and their families. While it does not replace curative care (care focused on overcoming disease and promoting recovery), it works in partnership with the patient's primary provider and other medical specialists to provide:
• Medical management of pain and symptoms such as problems with breathing, nausea, depression, loss of appetite or fatigue
• Psychological and spiritual support for patients and their families
• Advance care planning and assistance with medical decision-making
• Communication and coordination between the patient, family members and other healthcare providers
Because each patient's condition and personal needs are unique to that individual, so is the palliative care approach. The palliative care team customizes the treatment plan to address the diverse needs of the patient, whether it is pain relief, spiritual support or education on preparing for future medical decisions.
Palliative differs from hospice
While palliative care is a cornerstone of hospice care, it is not the same thing. Hospice care is focused on the needs of terminally ill patients, and it is most often provided during patients' final months. While palliative care is available to the terminally ill, it is also available to patients who are receiving curative treatment. Palliative care may be provided at anytime during a person's illness, even from the time of diagnosis.
Palliative care at Monroe Clinic
Monroe Clinic began offering palliative care in August 2008 in both the clinic and hospital settings. As the leading physician for the palliative care team, I also see patients in nursing homes and make occasional home visits as medically appropriate.
The decision to bring a comprehensive palliative care program to patients is based on several factors:
• Palliative care offers providers with a support network for their patients with life-limiting illnesses who are dealing with complex pain or symptom management issues.
• As the demographics shift to reflect a population that is aging and living longer, palliative care addresses the changing needs of our patients.
• Most importantly, palliative care aims to improve the quality of care and the quality of life for patients by helping them feel better during their illness, make informed medical decisions and navigate the sometimes-complicated medical system.
Learning more about palliative care
Patients currently receiving treatment at Monroe Clinic who want to learn if palliative care may be right for them should start by consulting their primary care provider. More information about the program is available by contacting (608) 324-2811 or (608) 324-2685.
Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover all or part of palliative care treatment received in the hospital. Drugs, medical supplies and equipment may also be covered. Patients should consult with their insurance provider to learn more.
- Gaines Richardson, MD, provides care focused on improving the quality of life and meeting the needs of patients and their families who are working through life-limiting illnesses.
