More than 25 percent of Medicare’s annual budget goes to care for patients in the final year of life. While physicians and families want what is best for the patient, studies have shown that more care is not necessarily better during this final stage. What is needed is a compassionate approach to beginning the end of life discussion and an informed presentation of the options for patients and families.

Advance care planning prepares patients and families early for decisions they may need to make later, under more stressful circumstances. It includes all aspects of care, from clinical and financial decisions to social and spiritual needs. Topics such as investigational studies, advance directives, and hospice care are included.