Hospice and Palliative Care Handbook: Quality, Compliance, and Reimbursement, 2nd ed.

Marrellli, T. M. St. Louis: Elsevier Mosby, 2005, 544 pp, $39.95; 1-800-545-2522; http://www.elsevierhealth.com

The second edition of this handbook provides material hospice and palliative care professionals need to effectively provide and document quality care based on accepted professional standards. Presented in an easy-to-use handbook style, this is the only guide that offers clinicians complete coverage of all hospice-related conditions. Numerous hospice-related clinical problems are detailed, including standards and guidelines, services skills, outcomes and goals, and specific tips for reimbursement and quality. ICD-9 codes are presented for each condition.

Updates include the latest information about hospice and palliative care and emphasize trends such as bereavement services, the role of the volunteer, and pain. Major differences between hospice and home care documentation are distinguished.