Glossary
Advance Directives
Advance Directives are written instructions about future medical care, in the event that one becomes unable to communicate these instructions.
Capacity
Capacity refers to the ability of an individual to understand the information he or she is being asked to act upon in order to give informed consent. Capacity is not a legal term.
Competent vs. Incompetent
Adults are considered to be legally competent to give informed consent unless the courts have determined otherwise. Incompetence is a legal term meaning that an individual has been adjudicated as not mentally competent to make decisions in his or her own behalf. A guardian is then appointed who will act on the individual’s behalf.
Curative Care
Treatments or procedures that continue to try and cure the disease.
Guardian
A person who has been legally appointed to make decisions on behalf of an individual who has been adjudicated as not mentally competent to make his or her own decisions.
Informed Consent
This is a legal term referring to the right to make medical treatment decisions. Under state law, it typically includes the right to be informed of one’s medical condition and prognosis, the risks and benefits associated with a recommended procedure or course of treatment, and what alternatives exist. In the case of mental incapacity, an individual’s right to give or withhold informed consent usually passes to the person’s legal representative, usually an agent or attorney-in-fact under durable power of attorney, a courtappointed guardian, or close family member.
Interdisciplinary Team Approach
Hospice work incorporates the expertise of all disciplines which includes the hospice team as well as the patient’s attending physician into on-going palliative care for both the patient and family.
Medicare Payment
A federal insurance benefit available for U.S. citizens over the age of 65 who have worked 40 quarters (10 years) before their 65th birthday. Physically or mentally disabled adults under 65 years of age who have been disabled for 2 years qualify for Medicare options, also.
Medicaid
Available only for a United States citizen or permanent resident for those whose medical bills are more than a particular month’s income; personal savings can not exceed $2000. (You should verify each state’s requirements.)
Multidisciplinary Medical Approach
The patient visits a specialist and care is based on the recommendations of that specialist; most of this information is not shared with the patient’s other doctors.
No-Pay
An indigent patient who has no insurance, does not qualify for Medicaid benefits and is not a U.S. citizen or does not have a permanent resident status.
Palliative Care
Comfort care measures that provide relief of symptoms and pain control.
Psychosocial
Psychosocial is a term encompassing the psychological, behavioral, social, and environmental aspects of an individual.
Private Pay
An individual who doesn’t need or carry insurance; this person pays for all medical needs out of their pocket.
Private Insurance
Insurance offered by an employer as a paid employee benefit. If the person is self-employed, the individual takes out an insurance policy for medical coverage. This insurance may also be a supplemental policy that the individual has paid for separately.
Self-Determination
Self-determination is the right of competent adults to make their own medical treatment decisions, including completing advance directives.