Medicare Payment: Advanced Care Planning

Within a context of an increasing life expectancy and rates of chronic/terminal illnesses, along with technological advances leading to prolonged life, patients' self-determination and quality of life are becoming priorities. Evidence supports that end-of-life (EOL) care, beginning with advance care planning (ACP), leads to greater patient quality of life and satisfaction, cost savings, and provider satisfaction. Alleviating obstacles to EOL care begins with reforming policies to promote ACP. Honoring their professional, moral, and ethical obligations, nurses were instrumental in advocating for the revision to the Medicare payment rule for ACP, improving quality of life and self-determination for the chronically and terminally ill.