Even though palliative care has been an important aspect of medical care in the United States for more than 25 years, it has yet to gain full public acceptance. Attempts to offer advanced care planning that allows patients to focus on care consistent with their values and preferences have been met with resistance. On January 1, 2011, Medicare proposed clinician reimbursement for advanced care planning. Within several weeks, however, this recommendation was reversed because some politicians worried the public would equate advanced care planning with healthcare rationing.
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