Preparing for surgery can be stressful. But going into surgery without your affairs in order can only elevate the stress. Instead, take the time to prepare the necessary documents that will give clear instructions for your medical staff, your representatives, and your family. Here are 7 financial and legal actions to take before having surgery.
1. Make a Living Will
As the name implies, a living will is in effect before you die. Its purpose is to speak on your behalf when you can’t. For example, you could determine which, if any, organs you want to donate.
You also want to list the medical procedures you’d accept and those you’d refuse. If your choices carry religious significance, you can emphasize that fact to increase the chances your wishes will be honored.
2. Complete a Healthcare Power of Attorney
This document specifies which of your family members or friends is your official representative in medical affairs when you’re incapacitated. A healthcare power of attorney also allows you to state your end-of-life wishes, such as whether or not you want to be resuscitated.
3. Establish a Durable Financial Power of Attorney
A durable financial power of attorney grants your agent the right to access your money to care for your expenses. For example, your hospital stay could last longer than expected.
During that time, you could be in and out of consciousness. Meanwhile, you could fall behind in mortgage, rent, utility bills, and various debts. Granting someone durable financial power of attorney could help keep your finances under control.
4. Finalize a Last Will and Testament
In the event of death, you don’t want to leave your loved ones confused about how to handle your affairs. A will can establish how you want your assets distributed, lessening the likelihood of misunderstandings among family members. Your will can also arrange care for dependent children, adults, and pets.
5. Craft a Living Trust
If you lose the ability to direct your financial affairs, a living trust activates to give that authority to the person you previously designated. Trusts function similarly to wills but more comprehensively.
6. Create an Estate Plan
There’s a mistaken but common belief that estate plans are only for the rich. In truth, anyone who would leave behind assets can use an estate plan.
An estate plan is an overarching portfolio of legal implements that details your wishes. It can include documents such as a power of attorney and living wills. If you think of each financial and legal instrument like a tool, then an estate plan would be your all-inclusive toolbox.
7. Provide HIPAA Authorization Forms
It’s illegal for a hospital to share your medical records with other parties without your written permission. However, your family and friends caring for you may need the records to make informed decisions. A HIPAA Authorization Form can grant them that right.
It’s important to understand that the protection of your medical records extends far past your family and friends. Without proper authorization, even other doctors don’t have access. This situation can complicate matters when outside specialists must act within a short time frame.