Life Care Plan Development
Life care plan development is a structured process that translates treating-team recommendations, peer-reviewed literature, and geographically matched cost data into a comprehensive projection of future medical and non-medical care needs.
When it is used
Life care planning is used in catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, and chronic disease cases to quantify future care costs for trial or settlement purposes.
Step-by-step
- Review medical records and collaborate with treating team
- Interview and, where appropriate, examine the evaluee
- Identify categories of care (routine medical, therapies, durable medical equipment (DME), home modifications, attendant care, etc.)
- Determine frequency and duration for each item based on physician recommendation and peer-reviewed literature (Weed & Berens, 2018)
- Obtain geographically matched costs from local providers and published rate schedules
- Compile the plan with itemized projections and total annualized cost
Data sources
- Treating physician recommendations
- IALCP / IARP life care planning standards
- Peer-reviewed duration and frequency literature
- Local provider cost quotations
- Published rate databases (Medicare, usual-and-customary compilations)
Limitations
Life care plans reflect the best projection at a point in time. Costs, providers, and medical recommendations can change, which is why plans are typically updated periodically.
Admissibility
Life care planning methodology following IALCP / IARP standards (International Academy of Life Care Planners, 2022) is widely accepted when grounded in physician recommendations and documented cost data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every item in a life care plan require a physician recommendation?
Items within the scope of medical practice require physician support. Some non-medical items (e.g., home modifications) can be recommended by an appropriately credentialed planner or allied professional within scope.
How often should life care plans be updated?
Plans should be updated when medical status materially changes or when significant time has elapsed. There is no fixed interval; updating is context-driven.
References
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Physician fee schedule. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. cms.govGovernment
- International Academy of Life Care Planners. (2022). Standards of practice for life care planners (4th ed.). International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals. member.aanlcp.orgOrganization
- Weed, R. O., & Berens, D. E. (Eds.). (2018). Life care planning and case management handbook (4th ed.). Routledge. doi.orgPeer-Reviewed
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