Wills and Power of Attorney

[Zoomschwortz]

My Dad has 3 golf ball size lumps on his arm and I took him in for a biopsy last week and set up an oppointment this week for the results.

The next day the Dr office called and wanted my Dad to go through lab tests, more Cat Scans and bone scan's before coming back this week for the biopsy results. I asked if they already had the results from the biopsy and they said NO. They then asked if my Dad had a Will and Power of Attorney.

Then when my Dad talked to the place where he is getting his bone scan, they also asked him if he had a Will and Power of Attorney.

Question

Is it normal for Doctors and Labs to ask if someone has a Will and Power of Attorney or are they asking because they think the results are going to be bad and he might not have much time?

Thanks
Ken

[beezer]

I don't want to be the bearer of bad news but it appears obvious they are hinting at something Ken. I hope things go well for him.

[mosesbotbol]

Your family has to be smart and work together as a team. It's wise to have these plans in place so you can concentrate on what is most important; your father's health.

I wish your family the best of luck and hope for a good news update.

[Demented]

Hey Ken,

I've asked my wife to post her thoughts on this;

Demented's wife, hope: I have worked in the medical field for 11 years and have never asked nor heard of anyone asking about wills or power of attorneis just for lab tests. I would go with your father to each of those appointments and ask them about it, why they would ask such a thing. The only time I ever ask about power of attorney is when someone is actually in the hospital and things need to be done, worked out or discussed, mainly due to confidentiality more than anything. ~

She added, since they've ask about this, regardless of the test results, it would be for the best to get these matters taken care of. Due to new and enforced HIIPA laws, they can't discuss medical matters without the written consent of the patient.

Best wishes,

Demented

[Zoomschwortz]

Originally Posted by Demented

Hey Ken,

I've asked my wife to post her thoughts on this;

Demented's wife, hope: I have worked in the medical field for 11 years and have never asked nor heard of anyone asking about wills or power of attorneis just for lab tests. I would go with your father to each of those appointments and ask them about it, why they would ask such a thing. The only time I ever ask about power of attorney is when someone is actually in the hospital and things need to be done, worked out or discussed, mainly due to confidentiality more than anything. ~

She added, since they've ask about this, regardless of the test results, it would be for the best to get these matters taken care of. Due to new and enforced HIIPA laws, they can't discuss medical matters without the written consent of the patient.

Best wishes,

Demented

Everyone thank you for the responses.

My Mom has Alzheimer’s and luckily while it was in the early stages, both of my parents updated their Will's and Power of attorney.

I've heard the HIIPA laws can cause problems.
Does a Power of Attorney count as, written consent of the patient or do I/they, need something else?

This is kinda scary since his Mom died of cancer in her early 50's.

Thanks again for your help and if anyone has more to add, please speak up.

Thanks
Ken

[White97Jimmy]

It would probably be wise to get this done anyway. It would save you some time later on in case this should ever arise again. My parents, both in their 50's, have already completed all of this, just in case. You never know when something will happen. They both got it taken care of after the death of each of their parents. They realized how hard it is to take care of it when it's too late.

[Demented]

Originally Posted by Zoomschwortz

I've heard the HIIPA laws can cause problems.
Does a Power of Attorney count as, written consent of the patient or do I/they, need something else?

hope believes, with Power of a Attorney you have privilege to medical records and test results.