Frequently Asked Questions

What is palliative care?
What can I expect from my palliative care team?
Is palliative care the same as hospice care?
How can I receive palliative care?

What is palliative care?
Palliative medicine focuses on relieving any pain, symptom, side effect or stress caused by a serious illness. The Lacks Cancer Center offers each of our patients the service of a palliative care team. This team consists of physicians, nurses, social workers and spiritual care providers who work together to develop and follow a coordinated care plan.

What can I expect from my palliative care team?
Relief from distressing symptoms and side effects.
Lessons on effective symptom management for both inpatients and outpatients.
A clearer understanding of your medical condition and the choices you must make regarding the direction of your care.

Is palliative care the same as hospice care?
No, it is decidedly different. Hospice care is offered when patients no longer wish to seek curative treatment. Palliative care is offered at any time from diagnosis throughout the course of an illness.

How can I receive palliative care?
To receive palliative assistance, simply ask your doctor for a referral to the service or call (616) 685-5231.