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Most people need some level of healthcare at the end of life. In fact, 25% of all Medicare spending occurs during patients’ last years, and research shows roughly 70% of adults prefer less aggressive treatments during their final days.
Still, few people have frank discussions about the medical services they’d like to receive before the time comes—only 17% of patients say they’ve talked about it with their doctor. Consequently, many individuals receive costly services they’d rather avoid.
Advance care planning can help patients sidestep this problem. Through this process, patients can clearly outline their preferences for end-of-life care. As a result, it’s easier for providers to honor their wishes. Often, their cost of care decreases too.
Understanding the importance of advance care planning and its benefits for both patients and providers can help move medical practices toward a more comprehensive value-based care model.