Luminis Health Palliative Care Annapolis

Palliative medicine is special medical care for people with serious illnesses or conditions. Our goals are to improve quality of life for you and your family and to provide care and treatment that is consistent with your values. We help you find relief from symptoms, pain and stress. We also support your family and caregiver. Medical care can often be complex and confusing. Your palliative care team can help you and your family talk through what you want, and help focus on the big picture.

What are the benefits of palliative medicine?

Palliative medicine can help with:

• Better symptom control.
• Fewer hospital and emergency room visits.
• Improved quality of life.
• Improved satisfaction with care.
• Lower medical costs.

Is palliative care the same as hospice care? ​

No, palliative medicine is appropriate at any age and every stage in a serious illness. A team of doctors, nurses and other specialists, working with your regular doctors, offer palliative care to give you an extra layer of support throughout your treatment.

Hospice care, on the other hand, is for those who are expected to live less than six months. If you choose hospice, you are also choosing to stop treatment meant to cure your illness. Hospice also provides bereavement support for families.

What palliative medicine services are offered at Anne Arundel Medical Center?

Our palliative medicine program offers a range of care options for patients in the hospital or at home. Specialized members of our team will give you support during tough medical decisions, advance care planning, pain and symptom management, and more. For example: 

• Doctors and nurse practitioners help with symptom management and establishing goals of care.
• Social workers help with concerns like transportation and financial support.
• Chaplains provide spiritual support. 
• Nurse navigators coordinate care between palliative, primary and specialist care teams.
• Our concierge schedules your appointments and answers non-medical questions.

​Scheduling

Consultation is available for patients in the hospital. Just ask your care team. AAMG Palliative Medicine Specialists provides outpatient care and follow-up in our clinic on the fifth floor of the Belcher Pavilion. A referral from your provider is required for an appointment. Our outpatient clinic accepts many insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Please verify coverage and copay prior to your visit.