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There is a tremendous gap in the medical services available for those near the end of life – if they wish to continue active disease treatment until the very end. Active treatment is not allowed while receiving Hospice services. Federal Medicare regulations specify that a person receiving Hospice services may not receive treatment for disease improvement or cure, and must have less than 6 months life expectancy. For example, a person continuing to receive cancer treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation would not be eligible for Hospice services, even though the prognosis is for less than 6 months. Unfortunately this rule prohibits patients from obtaining the wonderful in-home palliative care and pain management programs Hospice provides. Personal Physician Group is honored to serve those who are near the end of life and need medical care and support, but do not meet hospice requirements. Our End of Life service provides symptom management, pain control, and a full range of comfort strategies and palliative care – while receiving active disease treatment. We are dedicated to patient directed medical care; if our patients want active treatment until the end of life, we will ensure it is provided, while attending to their every comfort. At the request of patients or families, Personal Physician Group will locate the latest research and experimental treatment options for any illness. We can arrange for and accompany patients to second or third opinions anywhere in the world.
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