Hospice of the West Examines Financial Impact of End-of-Life Care: Overall Economic Burdens and Trends, Need for Advanced Illness Management

PHOENIX–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#advancedillnessmanagementHospice
of the West
(HOW), a leading community-based hospice and palliative
care organization in Maricopa County, Arizona, points to the overall
economic burdens, demographics and factors associated with end-of-life
care, and the value of Advanced Illness Management (AIM) to enhance care
quality and address costs. HOW assesses the impact of a rapidly growing
senior population, the likelihood that many will experience some form of
serious, life-limiting illness, and the fiscal impact on health systems,
healthcare payers and at-risk provider organizations serving seniors.

“The senior population in America will grow by 135 percent by 2050,
representing a significant trend since Medicare beneficiaries with
multiple chronic conditions are the heaviest users of healthcare
services,” says Dr. Lucia Gregorio, associate physician, HOW. “A pattern
of intense spending and over-medicalization of an aging society has
resulted in exorbitant costs for the healthcare system. Approximately 35
percent of the Medicare fee-for-service spend occurs in the last year of
life, and one out of every four Medicare dollars – over $125
billion – is spent on care near the end-of-life.”

The management of multiple diseases and disabilities puts a significant
strain on health systems and health plan/payer resources. As functions
deteriorate and the outlook for recovery dims, many patients receive
care that is fragmented, uncoordinated or inadequate to meet their
growing needs and personal wishes.

“Patients often suffer through unnecessary, costly and even harmful
treatments despite overriding expert opinion that when patients have a
terminal illness, at some point more disease treatment does not equal
better care,” she adds.

She cites the growing recognition of AIM as an important element of a
population health approach, a potential solution to ensuring quality
while easing economic burdens.

“AIM is becoming critical for this vulnerable population,” she
concludes. “Outcomes and services are measured and valued at a
population level rather than just service encounters between individual
clinicians and patients.”

About Hospice of the West

Hospice of the West is a community based Hospice and Palliative Care
organization based in Maricopa County, Arizona and is committed to
serving the unique needs of individuals facing a serious illness and
providing ongoing support to patient families and loved ones. http://hospicewestaz.com/

Contacts

Media:
CPR Communications for Hospice of the West
Katelyn
Petersen, 201-641-1911 x 18
kpetersen@cpronline.com

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