Frequently Asked Questions

Your other Doctors focus on your general health or treating your disease or condition.
Palliative Care Doctors concentrate on preventing and alleviating suffering and improving your quality of life, and help you and your loved ones to cope with the distress and burden of your illnesses.

No, absolutely not!
The goal of palliative care is to make you comfortable and help you achieve the best possible quality of life. You can have palliative care while you are undergoing treatments that may cure or reverse the effects of your illness.
In fact, Palliative Care can help you cope with aggressive treatments by getting your pain and symptoms under control to help you fight the disease.
Palliative care also helps patients to complete their disease related treatment.

Palliative care may be right for you if you are experiencing pain, distress and other symptoms due to any life-limiting illness.
Life-limiting illnesses include but are not limited to: Cancer, Cardiac Disease, Respiratory Disease, Kidney Failure, Neurologic Conditions, etc.
The focus is on symptoms, pain, distress, etc. Palliative care is appropriate at any stage of a life-limiting illness and you can get it along with treatment meant to cure you.

Palliative Care Doctors are concerned about you as a whole person - not just the part of you that is sick.
We understand that people with serious illnesses can be frightened and unsure of themselves when making medical decisions.
We also understand that there is not always one right or wrong answer, and that your needs and your wishes may change over time.
Palliative Care Doctors consider all of this when they help you develop your treatment plan.

Absolutely not.
As a consumer, you're encouraged to explore all of your healthcare choices. Our staff will coordinate services with your physician, when necessary, as he/she directs your care.
There are many levels of care to consider when diagnosed, and medical care is provided under the direction of your personal physician or by our Medical Doctor, as appropriate.

Yes, of course.
But Palliative Care Doctors have special training and expertise in pain management and symptom control, and specialize in helping patients and their families cope with the many burdens of a serious illness, from the side effects of a medical treatment, to caregiver stress, to fears about the future.
Palliative Care Doctors can assist you with difficult medical decisions, helping you weigh the pros and cons of various treatments.

No.
Addiction to medication prescribed for pain relief is a common fear, but is highly unlikely. Palliative Care Doctors are experts in preventing problems and side effects of strong pain medications.

No.
Appropriately prescribed medicine will not hasten death.
Your Palliative Care Doctor has the expertise to devise a medication plan that makes you comfortable, and is safe.

Absolutely.
Your Palliative Care Doctor coordinates care with your other doctors and helps you navigate the often-complex health care system.

Patient’s are eligible for hospice care if they have very short time to live (as prognosticated by the treating doctor).
Unfortunately, most people don't receive hospice care until the final days of life, possibly missing out on weeks of helpful care and quality time.

NO.
Hospice & Palliative Care Center also provides care for patients with chronic and life limiting conditions such as Chronic Lung Disease, Neurological Conditions, Heart Disease, , and others.
The focus is on symptoms, pain, distress, etc., and on those who have any illness.

NO.
The programs and services of Hospice & Palliative Care Center are designed to meet the needs of anyone dealing with a life-limiting illness.
Children and their families are offered a specialized pediatric program, created to meet their unique needs and challenges.