What Is a Healthcare Proxy?

Planning ahead for your medical care is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your loved ones. Establishing a healthcare proxy—sometimes called a medical power of attorney—and a living will is key for medical emergencies during which you may not be able to communicate.

We asked Margaret Vercruysse, LPN, Lead Trauma Registrar at Kessler Trauma Center, to explain the steps you can take to ensure your health care preferences are respected—even when you can’t voice them yourself.

Step 1: Establish a Healthcare Proxy

A healthcare proxy is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust—such as a family member or close friend—to make healthcare decisions for you if you lose the ability to make those decisions yourself.

This designated person, known as your healthcare agent or proxy, must be over the age of 18. They will have the authority to ensure your medical wishes are followed, providing peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.

When considering a healthcare proxy, it's important to discuss your healthcare wishes with your chosen agent.

Examples of healthcare wishes are:

Preferences for life-sustaining treatment
Pain management
Critical medical decisions

By clearly communicating your desires, you empower your healthcare agent to make informed health decisions that align with your values and beliefs.

Step 2: Establish an Advance Directive (A Living Will)

An advance directive, also known as a living will, is another crucial legal document. While a healthcare proxy designates someone to make decisions on your behalf, an advance directive provides specific instructions regarding your treatment preferences, particularly concerning end-of-life care. Together, these documents ensure comprehensive coverage of your healthcare wishes.

Step 3: Complete Smart Phone Emergency Medical ID (SEMID)

In addition to legal documents like a healthcare proxy and advance directive, modern technology offers tools to help communicate your medical information in emergencies.

A recent study led by University of Rochester researchers found that the Smart Phone Emergency Medical ID (SEMID), a feature available on most smartphones, is useful in the care of trauma patients who were unable to provide medical information.

In patients who used the SEMID feature on their phones, the information was useful and relevant to patient care in 75% of cases.

“We found it beneficial for us to access medical information on patients’ smartphones in real-time,” said Adam Oplinger, Injury Prevention and Outreach Coordinator for the Kessler Trauma Center. “We did get some very good, useful information from it that helped improve care.”

The SEMID tool allows you to store vital information such as:

Medications
Medical conditions
Past surgeries
Emergency contacts.

Emergency medical personnel can access this information without needing to unlock your phone, providing critical details when time is of the essence.

The Region's Only Level 1 Trauma Center

UR Medicine’s Strong Memorial Hospital is the only adult and pediatric level I trauma center in Rochester and the Finger Lakes Region and the only trauma center in Monroe County.

What is a Level 1 Trauma Center?

By setting up a healthcare proxy, advance directive, and tools like SEMID, you can ensure that your medical wishes are known and respected, even in emergencies. Discuss these options with your family and medical providers to create a comprehensive plan that reflects your values and preferences.

Download the MyChart App

UR Medicine’s MyChart app allows you to set up proxy access for yourself, your parents, children, or other loved ones. This allows you to access their MyChart and help them manage their care, schedule and remember appointments, and more.

Download MyChart