When it comes to differentiating between palliative care and hospice care, people are often left confused. The two services are alike in many ways, yet different from each other. However, it is important to understand the difference between the two to make an informed healthcare decision.
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What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is a program that aims at easing pain and helps the patient living with serious illness improve their symptoms. Palliative care does not replace curative treatment. Rather, it is offered in addition to a curative treatment to help the patient deal with the side effects of the treatment such as nerve pain, nausea or shortness of breath.
If the medical condition is making it difficult for the patient to get around, indulge in activities of daily living or is causing depression, palliative care can address that too. Patients who chose palliative care feel more in control of their lives.
Palliative care helps a patient live an active life.
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What is Hospice Care?
Hospice care is defined as compassionate comfort care for patients who have six months or less to live owing to their medical condition. Hospice care focus on easing pain and helping families prepare for the patient’s end-of-life.
For a person to be eligible for hospice, two physicians must certify that the patient has six months or less to live if the disease follows its usual course. Hospice care not only involves experienced doctors and medical professionals but also includes family members who work as the primary caregiver.
The Difference Between Palliative Care and Hospice Care
While both palliative care and hospice care focus on helping a patient live as comfortable as possible, the goals and the prognosis of care tend to be different.
People often confuse hospice care and palliative care because everything within hospice is palliative, but not everything palliative is hospice.
Hospice care costs are paid completely by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance and there is not out-of-pocket cost involved for the patient. Medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, nursing, chaplain visits, 24/7 access to care and other services are covered under Medicare benefit.
On the other hand, palliative care cost, from prescription charges to office visits, can vary. It is important to check with your health care provider to find out what is covered and what is not covered. While some types of palliative care may be covered by Medicare Part B, the patient may be required to co-pay for some treatments.
Palliative Care and Hospice Care Does Not Mean Giving Up. It Is More About Living Comfortably
To learn more about the differences that separate hospice care from palliative care, call us on 385-247-2020.
