In the wake of the “death panels” controversy that demonized efforts to compensate physicians for conversations with patients, there is a growing movement to improve end of life care. Billions of dollars are spent annually on Medicare patients for care delivered in the final months of their lives, much of it unnecessary, painful, duplicative and unwanted.

Studies have shown that earlier use of palliative and hospice care and advance care planning can not only improve the quality of life and care, but also lengthen lifespan, improve patient satisfaction and cut costs. This panel will discuss how hospitals, physicians and advocates are working with patients to improve end of life care.