The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care - Special Programs

Advance Care Planning

(for Independent Health members)
The Advance Care Planning service is offered in Erie County by Life Transitions Center., Inc.

What is Advance Care Planning?

Advance Care Planning combines emotional support and assistance with long term planning for individuals who are diagnosed with a serious, potentially life-limiting illness. This program encourages members with serious illness to explore their feelings about:

their medical conditions and preference for care/treatment options
emotional, family, financial and spiritual issues

Where will services be provided?

Services will be provided in your home by social workers who are skilled in serving individuals with serious medical conditions.

Which Independent Health members are eligible?

Enc A, B, C, D, Easy Access, Encompass Plus, Encompass 65, FlexFit, MediSource and Traditional.

Is there a cost for service?

There is NO copay and the home visits will NOT count against your home care or hospice benefit. Members may receive up to 6 visits per calendar year.

Who will provide the service?

Services will be provided in Erie County by professional social workers at Life Transitions Center, an affiliate of The Center for Hospice & Palliative Care. Contact Independent Health for services outside Erie County.

Does this mean I am referred for Hospice service?

NO. This is NOT a Hospice benefit. You DO NOT have to enroll in Hospice.

What types of illnesses are appropriate for referral to Advance Care Planning?

Cancer, later stage Cardiac Disease, later stage Lung Disease (COPD), end stage chronic diseases.

Who can make a referral for Advance Care Planning?

Independent Health members, physicians, IH case managers, home care agencies and discharge planners.

How can a referral be made?

In Erie County, call Life Transitions Center at (716) 836-6460.