Working together as a team.
Patients who are considering palliative care often wonder how
it will affect their relationships with their current health care
providers. Some of their questions include:
• Will I have to give up my primary health care provider?
• What do I say if there is resistance to referring me for
palliative care services?
• Will I offend my health care provider if I ask questions?
Most important, you do NOT give up your own health care
provider in order to get palliative care. The palliative care
team and your health care provider work together.
Most clinicians appreciate the extra time and information the
palliative care team provides to their patients. Occasionally a
clinician may not refer a patient for palliative care services. If
this happens to you, ask for an explanation. Let your health care
provider know why you think palliative care could help you.