Encounter for palliative care

This code signifies an encounter where the primary focus is on providing palliative care services. Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life for patients and their families facing life-limiting illnesses, focusing on symptom management, pain relief, and psychosocial support rather than curative treatment.

Apply this code when a patient is receiving active palliative care, regardless of the stage of their illness or whether they are simultaneously receiving curative treatments. This includes initial assessments, follow-up visits, or consultations specifically for palliative care management.

• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when the encounter's main purpose is palliative care.
• Do not use this code for hospice care; a separate code exists for hospice encounters.
• Report additional codes for the underlying life-limiting illness(es) and any specific symptoms or conditions being managed.