Palliative care
Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious or chronic illnesses. The focus in palliative care is the anticipation, prevention, and treatment of the symptoms and stressors of illness - whatever the diagnosis. It does not replace your primary care. Palliative care works as an extra layer of support to the treatments you're already receiving. The goal is to help both patient and family experience an improved quality of life.
A team approach to patient-centered care
The right time to begin palliative care is very individualized, however, there are indicators that healthcare providers will look for when suggesting palliative care. However, you do not need a provider referral for palliative care. If you feel that you could benefit from palliative care, you may call the Crossing Rivers Health Clinic to schedule an appointment with a Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner.
- Palliative care is available to you at any time during your illness.
- You can receive palliative care at the same time you receive curative and other medical treatments.
- You don't have to be a hospice patient or at the end-of-life to receive palliative care. Palliative care does, however, play a large role in hospice care.
Your primary care provider may refer you to palliative care or you may call the Crossing Rivers Health Clinic directly and schedule an appointment.
Insurance coverage
Palliative care services are covered by:
- Private insurances
- Medicare
- Medicaid
Palliative care is led by our Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner, who coordinates with a team of specialists that may include:
- Palliative care nurses
- Primary care providers
- Specialty care providers
- Social workers
- Spiritual caregivers
- Pharmacist
The Crossing Rivers Health Palliative Care team of specialists thrives to provide:
- Relief or lessening of symptoms.
- Answers to questions you or your family may have related to illness and treatment plans.
- Coordination of medical care.
- We work with your existing healthcare team, so there is no need to change providers.
- Open discussions about future treatment choices and management of illness and symptoms.
- Coordination of additional home services and connections to community resources.
- Access to experts in psychology, social services, spiritual care, occupational therapy, physical therapy, nutrition, and many more.