Why should I choose a healthcare proxy right now?

You shouldn't put off the task of picking a health care proxy (the person you designate to make decisions for you in a medical emergency, also called your agent, attorney-in-fact, proxy, or surrogate). You should at least have someone in mind now, since thousands of people a day, unfortunately, end up needing health care proxies in a sudden, unexpected manner.

To have peace of mind, a smart patient would put it in writing when he or she is well. You should also talk this issue over with your spouse, parents, and/or children, and, if applicable, any other relatives who may not have a clear health care proxy available.

Again, if you leave this issue to be hashed out when it's an emergency, there's a good chance that your family meetings will be free theater for everyone in the hospital.