Palliative Care

Palliative care is specialized medical care focused on providing relief from symptoms, pain, and stress associated with serious illness. Unlike hospice, palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatment and is appropriate at any stage of illness. TRICARE covers palliative care services as part of medically necessary treatment.

Palliative care services include: • Pain management and symptom control • Coordination of care between specialists • Emotional and psychological support • Help with treatment decision-making • Communication between patient, family, and care team • Advance care planning

Palliative care vs. hospice: • Palliative care: Available at any stage of illness, alongside curative treatment • Hospice: Specifically for terminal illness with 6-month or less prognosis • Both focus on quality of life and symptom management • Palliative care does not require giving up curative treatment

TRICARE coverage of palliative care: • Covered as part of medically necessary treatment • May be provided by MTF or civilian providers • Standard cost-sharing applies • Can be combined with other treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, etc.)

Palliative care teams often include physicians, nurses, social workers, and chaplains working together to address the full range of needs for patients with serious illnesses.