Palliative Care
When patients are seriously ill, their quality of life suffers due to pain and other symptoms caused by their disease or the side effects of treatment. This could be a temporary situation they must endure until they recuperate, or one that will continue to worsen as their health declines. In either case, their quality of life can be greatly enhanced through palliative care.
Palliative care focuses on pain and symptom management and also helps patients and families better understand their health condition and care options. Unlike hospice care, which provides comprehensive care for patients who are expected to die within six months or less, palliative care provides case management to guide anyone still pursuing treatment through a serious illness.
Sincera – Supportive Care and Symptom Relief™ which is a program for people NOT on hospice, was established by Hospice in 2008 and has served thousands of people since then.
Learn more about Sincera palliative care through this short video:
Who can benefit from a Sincera consultation?
Patients with advanced chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and neurological disorders have sought — and received — relief from our program. In fact, 94% of those surveyed said Sincera’s interventions made a significant improvement in the way they feel! Sincera has great expertise in managing:
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Anxiety or depression
- Bone, muscle, tissue, nerve or tumor pain
- Spiritual or emotional concerns
- Any other debilitating symptoms
How can you request a visit?
The consultation service requires a referral from your primary care provider or specialist; however, you can contact us directly and the Sincera team will work with your provider to obtain the referral on your behalf.
A nurse practitioner will evaluate your condition, collaborate with the entire Sincera team–which includes a palliative care physician, RNs, chaplains social worker and volunteers–and create a care plan that fits you. Your primary care provider will continue to manage your overall care. The frequency and level of follow-up care will be determined based on your needs. A majority of services are provided in one of our clinic spaces. If medically necessary, consideration will be made for a home visit.
The Sincera nurse practitioner will follow up with you by phone after the initial consultation and via additional visits, if needed, to re-evaluate symptoms and your response to treatment. Additional recommendations would then be shared with your provider so he or she can make any necessary changes to your care plan.
What are the costs of a consultation?
Medicare and most commercial insurance plans will cover the cost of Sincera’s services, just as they would other medical treatment. You will be billed for the percentage of the fee your insurance requires you to pay. Remember, if you are enrolled in an HMO, you may need pre-authorization. Medicaid patients will receive the service at no cost to them. Fees for anyone without insurance will be based on ability to pay; no one will be turned away due to the lack of financial resources.
Call us!
For more information on the program, or how to speak with your provider about a referral, please contact Sincera directly, weekdays,
from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm at 419-931-3440.