Managing Cancer Care

Questions to Ask About Palliative Care

If your health care team has mentioned palliative care, you should understand its benefits and limitations. Consider asking your oncologist or oncology nurse these questions to learn as much as you can about your care options.

  • Are you recommending palliative care for me? Why?
  • How do I find out if I’m eligible?
  • What is included in palliative care that’s different from the care you can give me?
  • Who will be part of my palliative care team?
  • Where will I receive palliative care?
  • Do I need to check with my insurance company about coverage for palliative care?
  • How long will my palliative care last?
  • What will the palliative care team do if my symptoms get worse? What if my symptoms get better?
  • How will you communicate with the palliative care team and my other doctors?
  • How are my family and friends involved in palliative care?
  • What decisions do I need to make? Can you be involved in those decisions with me?

Last Revised: May 10, 2019

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