Physician reimbursement for critical care services integrating palliative care for patients who are critically ill.

ABSTRACT: Patients with advanced illness often spend time in an ICU, while nearly one-third of patients with advanced cancer who receive Medicare die in hospitals, often with failed ICU care. For most, death occurs following the withdrawal or withholding of life-sustaining treatments. The integration of palliative care is essential for high-quality critical care. Although palliative care specialists are becoming increasingly available, intensivists and other physicians are also expected to provide basic palliative care, including symptom treatment and communication about goals of care. Patients who are critically ill are often unable to make decisions about their care. In these situations, physicians must meet with family members or other surrogates to determine appropriate medical treatments. These

SUBMITTER: Lustbader DR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3416035 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature