Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care

 

Palliative Care

Hospice Care
Patients Served Patients of any age, at any stage of advanced and life-threatening illness Terminally ill patients of any age
Services Provided Throughout illness and simultaneous with other treatment, comprehensive, coordinated pain and symptom control, care of psychological and spiritual needs, family support and assistance in making transitions between care settings At the end of life and when curative treatment not desired or not effective, comprehensive, coordinated pain and symptom control, care of psychological and spiritual needs, family support and assistance in making transitions between care settings. Bereavement care for survivors.
Key Differences
  • Program open to all seriously ill patients, not just those with six-month prognosis
  • Patients do not have to forgo curative care
  • Palliative care team coordinates care from variety of health care providers, including specialists and primary care physicians to prevent service fragmentation

 
  • Six-month prognosis required by Medicare and other funders. Coverage includes outpatient medications and supplies. Efforts to cure or prolong life not covered.