A healthcare proxy is a legal form that lets you choose someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re ever unconscious, confused, or unable to communicate. This can be because of a sudden accident or illness or from the progression of a chronic condition, such as Alzheimer’s Disease.
Without a proxy, doctors may be left guessing who should make the call.
If you don’t have one, hospitals might delay urgent decisions and family members may disagree about what they think is best for you and end up fighting amongst themselves.
Unfortunately, I have been in these situations and witnessed decisions made on my patients’ behalf that were probably not what they would have chosen for themselves.
Get it done today:
1. Click to download the Health Care Proxy Form for New York State (if not in NYS, then google Healthcare Proxy for your specific state)
2. Choose someone you trust. Your proxy should:
- understand your values and be willing to follow your wishes
- be calm under pressure
- Be able to advocate firmly
3. Fill it out and sign – Most don’t need a notary, but check if witnesses are required (in New York State, they are)
4. Share it – With your proxy, your primary care doctor and family members. Consider uploading to your patient portal, if you have one
Note:
- the Proxy form only becomes active if you cannot make your decisions.
- You can list specific wishes on the form – such as being put on a ventilator or not, being given artificial nutrition or IV fluids and other details.
- Assigning a proxy does not give that person any special access to your health information or your financial matters.
Still have questions?
Drop them in the comments or send me a message.
I’d be happy to walk you through it.
DR JOSHUA USEN 