Paradigm Health’s caregiving philosophy has always centered around the enriching lives each day through supportive caregiving and a holistic, community-based approach. Navigating the complex world of medical diagnoses, appointments, medications, and keeping all doctors on the same page can be a daunting task. Having an advocate to help partner, support and lead your care can be both valuable and provide stress relief throughout your journey.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a chronic, serious, or life-threatening disease and you are still seeking curative treatments – you should be searching for a palliative care provider. Palliative care is advanced illness management and can benefit patients with chronic, serious, or life-threatening illnesses who are symptomatic, as well as patients who are high risk to be re-hospitalized. Some illnesses most commonly treated by a palliative care team are heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, renal disease, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
Palliative care focuses on managing symptoms associated with serious illness such as pain, edema, anxiety, shortness of breath, or psychosocial distress. It also provides assistance with advanced care planning and goals of care discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions about Palliative Care
- Who can receive palliative care?
A. Anyone who is severely or chronically ill can benefit from palliative care. - Where can a patient receive palliative care?
A. Palliative care services are provided in whatever setting the patient calls home: private home, nursing home, assisted living, etc. - How is palliative care paid for?
A. Palliative care is billed under Medicare Part B, or through commercial insurance, as a professional service (like a physician’s visit). Some insurance plans may require a co-pay. Your palliative care provider will disclose any required co-pays before providing services. - Does palliative care replace my primary care physician?
A. No. Palliative care does not replace current medical care, rather, it is a specialty consultative medical practice that addresses symptoms and care management. Paradigm Health nurse practitioners maintain regular contact with a patient’s primary physician to provide collaborative and consistent care.
Read more about palliative care in part one of our blog series.
