Survey: Docs remain reluctant to discuss end-of-life care with patients

A new survey of doctors found that while most understand the importance of discussing end-of-life care options, they still have trouble initiating those conversations with patients (Source: “Most Doctors Unsure How To Discuss End-of-Life Care, Survey Says,” Kaiser Health News, April 14, 2016).

According to the national poll, 75 percent of doctors said that while Medicare reimbursement makes it more likely they’d have advance care planning discussions, only about 14 percent said they had actually billed Medicare for those visits.

Three quarters also believe it’s their responsibility to initiate end-of-life conversations.

Fewer than one-third reported any formal training on end-of-life discussions with patients and their families.

 “Patients want their primary care doctors to have these conversations, and the poll shows that physicians recognize that it’s their responsibility,” said Dr. Sandra Hernández, president and CEO of the California Health Care Foundation and a physician who treats HIV patients. “It’s wonderful that Medicare is reimbursing for these discussions. Now, physicians need more skills and training.”