Why Would You Need To Take Your Will With You...

[sorcerormickey]

When you go to a doctor's appointment???

I am so confused and sort of angry over this! My next door neighbor is a sweet old lady in her late 80s. She was telling us the other day that she had to find a new doctor's office closer to home so she could go in for a test (colonoscopy). When she called to make her appointment, they told her she had to bring in a copy of her will! Why on earth would a doctor's office need a copy of her will? There is no information they need in there!

Has anyone heard of this practice before?

 

[Serena]

A copy of her will? I don't get it. Is it possible she misheard them?

Other than a mistake, there is no reason she would need a copy of her will at her doctor's office, or at least none that I can think of.

 

[Princess_Aurora]

Maybe a living will if she has one is what they meant???

 

[Kimberle]

I'd think I'd want to find a new Dr's office!!

Our will is on file at our Lawyers office. (We do have a copy.)

 

[Mercy]

I would agree with Princess Aurora they were probably talking about a Living Will or an Advanced Directive.

Maybe you could help your neighbor by offering to call the doctor's office to verify what they really need.

 

[lovemygoofy]

do you think it should have been a living will? Standard practice here in the army where we live you have to spell out to your physician your exact plans should you be put on life support. I.E. # of days on support, breathing tube vs. feeding tube, and long term vegetation state. You also have to make it extremely clear about organ donation and which you want to donate.

This maybe a common practice among doctors of the elderly. This can be stated in a will that can be consulated before death or an actual living will.

Of course something shady could be going on but I sure hope not. I love elderly people

 

[4cruisin]

Originally posted by Mercy

Maybe you could help your neighbor by offering to call the doctor's office to verify what they really need. [/B

 

[Eeyore1954]

The doctor/staff doing the colonoscopy may give the patient a light anathesia to help her relax. Due to her age, they may want a copy of her living will/advance directive in case something were to happen during the procedure. It's unlikely, but they probably want to be prepared just in case.

 

[mickeyfan1]

I agree, they probably mean a living will or medical directive. I had to give a copy of mine to the hospital for my hyterectomy and appendectomy. I think it is a good idea to have this document so that there is no question as to your desires for medical treatment. And if you have one, then your doctor and hospital should have a copy of it, again so that there is no question at to your wishes.

I hope you are able to help your neighbor out with this.

 

[luvmydogs]

I had a colonoscopy/endoscopy a little over a year ago (having some residual bleeding from ulcer surgery), and the Dr.'s office requested a copy of my living will--I was 36 at the time and in good general health. I'm betting they said living will, and like Eyeore1954 said, just need to cover all their bases. It was a very tolerable procedure and I'm hoping she'll hear positive results!

 

[sorcerormickey]

Is it possible she misheard them?

I don't think she did. She told them she didn't have an extra copy at home, and they said they would just photocopy it when she came in.

Maybe a living will if she has one is what they meant???

I asked her about that. She said the specifically stated "Your Last Will and Testament". I am hoping she mis-heard them and the said "NOT Your Last Will and Testament".

Maybe you could help your neighbor by offering to call the doctor's office to verify what they really need.

I really would like to, but she will not tell me where exactly she is going. I just know the building - it is kind of hospital-satellite type thing. Maybe I'll try to get more info out of her if I can.

Thanks everyone! I'm hoping this is all a big mis-understanding!

 

[laurie31]

Asking about a Living Will is required. It doesn't have anything to do with one's age or medical condition. It's just another question on the admission forms that must be filled out. (It does freak some people out, however, but it's the law that they are asked if they have one). However, I can't imagine why anyone would need someone's last will and testament! I also hope your neighbor misunderstood, and how nice of you to be looking out for her Let us know what you find out.

Laurie