Fall 2009

Talk to your patients about advance directives

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. (BCBSF), State of Florida and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recognize the right of a competent adult to make an advance directive.

BCBSF encourages physicians to have end of life conversations with their patients 18 years and older about the plan of care to ensure that the person's choices regarding when to accept or refuse medical treatment are honored. Documentation of the existence of an advance directive or copy in a prominent part of an individual's medical record allows end of life wishes to be carried out as a result of later physical or mental incapacity.

The four types of advance directives recognized in Florida:

• Living Will

• Healthcare Surrogate Designation

• Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare

• Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Order

Advance directive handouts are available in English and Spanish. Visit www.bcbsfl.com, click Physicians & Provider, Tools & Resources, then Forms and scroll down to Member Forms. Additional information can be found in the Manual for Physicians and Providers, which is available on the Manuals & Billing Instructions page under Tools & Resources on our website.

Thank you for supporting this initiative, which facilitates communication, coordination and continuity of care for our members. For questions regarding advance directives, please contact Joanne Keenan, R.N., at (800) 555-8228, ext. 87329.