Content Overview 
- Overview
- The Catholic Church's Position On Advance Health Care Directives
- Where Can I Find Free Advance Directive Forms?
- Why Do I Need A Living Will and/or A Health Care Proxy?
- Why Do I Need A Healthcare Power of Attorney If I Have A Living Will?
- Why Do I Need A Do Not Resuscitate Directive (DNR) If I Have A Living Will And/Or A Health Care Power Of Attorney?
- What If I Move Or Receive Treatment In Another State?
- How To Choose A Doctor Who Will Comply With Your Wishes
- What If My Healthcare Proxy's Decision Conflicts With The Instructions In My Living Will?
- How Long Do Advance Directives Stay In Effect?
- How To Choose A Hospital Or Other Health Care FacilityThat Respects Your Wishes
- How To Talk With Family About Your Wishes About What To Do If You Become Incapacitated And Can't Speak For Yourself
- Who Should I Give Copies Of My Healthcare Power Of Attorney, Living Will and Do Not Resuscitate Order?
- How Often Should I Revisit My Advance Directives?
- How To Revoke Or Amend A Living Will, Healthcare Power Of Attorney Or DNR (Advance Directives)
- How Is Incapacity Determined?
Advance Health Care Directives 101
How To Choose A Doctor Who Will Comply With Your Wishes
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One of the critical elements when choosing a doctor is to be sure he or she agrees with your wishes about what you want done if you become incapacitated and can't speak for yourself. In fact, it would be helpful to discuss your wishes with your doctor before you write a Living Will, Healthcare Power of Attorney and/or DNR to get his or her input about:
- Situations you may face because of your health condition and related life support systems.
- Clinical terms that may help make a Living Will more effective, and discussions with a Healthcare Proxy more fruitful.
If the doctor doesn't agree with your beliefs, the question becomes whether he or she will agree to nonetheless carry them out. If the answer is "no" - find another doctor.
Likewise, if the only hospital the doctor can work in (has "privileges" in) has a policy of continuing life no matter what - either find another doctor or get your doctor's agreement that if something happens to you, you will be sent to a hospital that will follow your wishes - even if it means that doctor cannot attend to you in that hospital.
For information about the following topics, click on the link:
- How To Choose A Primary Care Doctor
- How To Choose A Specialist
- How To Communicate With Your Doctor
- Choosing A Hospital
Be sure to give the doctor a copy of each of your Advance Directives and ask that they be kept in your medical record. Also give a copy to each specialist you see.
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