Doctors know it’s important to talk with their patients about end-of-life care. But they’re finding it tough to start those conversations — and when they do, they’re not sure what to say, according to a national poll released Thursday.
Such discussions are becoming more important as baby boomers reach their golden years. By 2030, an estimated 72 million Americans will be 65 or over, nearly one-fifth of the U.S. population. Medicare now reimburses doctors $86 to discuss end-of-life care in an office visit that covers topics such as hospice, living wills and do-not-resuscitate orders. Known as “advance care planning,” the conversations can also be held in a hospital. Read more.
English
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
Filipino
French
German
Hindi
Hmong
Italian
Japanese
Khmer
Korean
Lao
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
Vietnamese