Ensure That Your Loved Ones Call the Right Doctor
Now that we are in March, we are well past the point at which most of us have abandoned our
New Year's resolutions. As in previous years, improving physical health ranked among the top
goals that Americans set for themselves in 2025.1 But while goals like losing weight and building
strength remain popular, there is a growing emphasis on overall well-being, including mental
health and preventative care.
This greater focus on health and wellness, however, stands in stark contrast to our lack of
advance healthcare planning. While some Americans are diligently counting their steps,
watching what they eat, and trying to live longer, healthier lives, many have failed to plan
adequately for their future healthcare and what could happen in a medical emergency. One
basic list can help address this shortcoming.
The Healthcare Planning Gap
For a growing number of Americans, healthy living is no longer a luxury but a core value.
Although we spend more on healthcare than other high-income countries, our health outcomes
are among the worst by many metrics.2 An estimated 129 million Americans - roughly half the
population - have at least one chronic disease (e.g., heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity,
hypertension).3
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the trend of Americans taking a more proactive role in
their health.4 It also prompted more Americans to create estate plans as we contemplated our
mortality.5 Unfortunately, the percentage of Americans with a will has since fallen back to
prepandemic levels of around one-fourth.6
The number of people who have created a healthcare power of attorney is slightly higher than
those who have created a will, but not by much. According to a study by Penn Medicine, the
systematic review of approximately 795,000 people in 150 studies found that only 29.3 percent
had completed an advance directive, including just 33.4 percent who had designated a
healthcare power of attorney.7
The lead researcher in this study said that this lack of surrogate decision-makers and end-of-life
care instructions means that the treatments most Americans would choose near the end of their
lives are often different from the treatments they receive - a disconnect that can lead to
"unnecessary and prolonged suffering."8
How to Ensure That You Get the Care You Need - and Want
Without medical directives such as a healthcare power of attorney, doctors may be forced to
make critical decisions without a clear understanding of your wishes. This can lead to delayed
care, unwanted treatments, family disagreements over the best course of action, and even court
intervention.
Although you may have a healthcare power of attorney, this document alone might not be
enough to guarantee that the treatments you receive are the ones you need - or would choose
yourself. It may be necessary to have an advance directive or living will to help elaborate on
your wishes. If your state does not recognize advanced directives or living wills as legally valid,
you can still leave a letter of instruction to your healthcare power of attorney to share your
thoughts and desires.
A healthcare power of attorney authorizes a trusted person (your healthcare agent) to make
medical decisions on your behalf when a medical condition prevents you from making or
communicating those decisions. This agent is charged with the task of making decisions that
are in your best interest and would ideally be ones you would make for yourself. However, your
agent needs additional context to make the appropriate choices for you. This information should
be organized in a document that lists the following:
- Doctor's name and specialty. In a stressful situation, seemingly obvious details like these
can be easily forgotten.
- Doctor's contact information. Include the office phone number, after-hours contact
number, and the provider's office address.
- Current health conditions. List any chronic illnesses or ongoing medical concerns the
doctor is managing.
- Medication list. Provide a complete and up-to-date list of all medications, including
dosages, frequencies, and the reasons they are prescribed.
- Healthcare power of attorney. Confirm that a healthcare power of attorney is on file with
the doctor's office.
- Insurance information. Knowing your insurance information and coverages can facilitate
timely access to care and billing.
Each of the doctors you regularly see should be on the list - and they should have a copy of
your healthcare power of attorney on file - to cover all potential health situations.
During a life-threatening or emergency medical situation, it is generally recommended that your
primary care provider be contacted because they know you and your medical history. However,
there may also be situations where a specialist, such as a cardiologist or psychologist, needs to
be consulted in short order.
Other Healthcare Planning Documents and Considerations
Not planning for medical contingencies, from sudden illnesses or injuries to gradual declines in
cognitive abilities, could result in you losing the ability to voice your treatment preferences.
Because the stakes are so high, your healthcare planning should cover all of the bases.
- Copies of your power of attorney, both physical and digital, should be kept in several other
strategic locations, such as with your agent, trusted family and friends, and your attorney. A
medical crisis may require you to visit the emergency room, where the document is not on
file.
- A healthcare power of attorney is just a starting point for future healthcare planning. Other
advance directives to consider are a living will, HIPPA authorization form, DNR order, and
documents that address organ donation and funeral preferences. And do not forget about
life insurance.
- Periodically review your healthcare power of attorney and other advance directives to
ensure that they still reflect your wishes. Send and store updated copies that reflect these
document changes.
Maintaining your health and fitness can include one simple action that does not involve going to
the gym, tracking steps, or following the latest diet trend. It only takes a visit to our office to
complement your current wellness goals and get an instant mental health boost knowing that
you and your loved ones are prepared for a medical emergency.
MEREDITH | PC
4325 Windsor Centre Trail
Suite 400
Flower Mound Texas 75028
214-513-1013
This newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as written advice about a Federal tax matter. Readers should consult with their own professional Counselors to evaluate or pursue tax, accounting, financial, or legal planning strategies.
You have received this newsletter because I believe you will find its content valuable. Please feel free to Contact Me if you have any questions about this or any matters relating to estate planning.
