Advance care planning discussion (30 min) Evaluation Management

An advance care planning discussion is a structured conversation with a clinician about your values, goals, and preferences for future medical care.

Advance care planning discussion (30 min) procedure illustration

Overview

An advance care planning discussion is a structured conversation with a clinician about your values, goals, and preferences for future medical care. The 30 minute session often covers who you would want to make decisions for you if you cannot speak, and what types of treatments you might want or not want in certain situations. Common topics include naming a health care agent (also called a medical power of attorney), reviewing advance directives or living wills, and understanding treatments like CPR, breathing machines, and tube feeding. The goal is to help you document and share your wishes so they are known and respected.

Overview Preparation Clinical Info Recovery FAQ References

Also known as: Advance care planning, ACP visit, Goals of care discussion, End-of-life planning discussion

Recovery
Same day
Return to Work
Same day

Preparation & Next Steps

Everything you need to know before and after your procedure

Before Care

  • Think about what matters most to you, such as independence, comfort, or longevity, and write a few notes.
  • Decide who you might want as your health care agent and bring their name and contact information.
  • Bring any existing documents, such as an advance directive, living will, POLST, or DNR forms.
  • Make a short list of questions or specific treatments you want explained, like CPR or breathing machines.
  • Confirm if the visit is in person or telehealth and test your device and internet if virtual.
  • Bring a photo ID, insurance card, and a payment method if a copay applies.
  • Invite a trusted person to join the conversation in person or by phone if you want support.
  • Check your state’s official website for advance directive forms so you can reference the format.
  • Ensure your patient portal access works so you can view or upload documents after the visit

After Care

  • Review any summaries or materials from the visit and note decisions that are still pending.
  • Complete or update your advance directive or living will and follow your state’s witnessing or notarization rules.
  • Share copies of finalized documents with your health care agent, family, and clinicians.
  • Upload documents to your patient portal so they are available to your care team.
  • Keep a copy in an easy-to-find place and consider carrying a wallet card naming your health care agent.
  • Schedule a follow-up visit if you need more time to discuss complex choices.
  • Revisit your preferences after major life or health changes, or at least once a year.
  • Ask the clinic about how to get your documents into the hospital record for quick access.
  • Contact the clinic if you have new questions or want to review options in more detail

Clinical Information

Important medical details about this procedure

Indications

  • Planning for future medical decisions at any age
  • Chronic or serious illness
  • Before major surgery or risky treatments
  • After a new diagnosis that could affect decision-making
  • Aging-related planning, including Medicare Annual Wellness Visit
  • Desire to document a health care agent or living will

Alternatives

  • Complete state-specific advance directive forms on your own
  • Discuss wishes with family or a trusted person without a clinic visit
  • Telehealth advance care planning session
  • Community workshops or faith-based programs on advance care planning
  • Palliative care or ethics consultation for complex questions
  • Consult an attorney for legal guidance on documents

Risks

  • Emotional discomfort when discussing serious illness or end of life
  • Miscommunication if goals and preferences are not clearly stated
  • Privacy concerns if sensitive information is not handled securely
  • Potential out-of-pocket costs depending on insurance coverage
  • Documents may not be followed if they are not accessible or shared

Contraindications

  • Medical emergencies that require immediate treatment
  • Severe cognitive impairment without a legally authorized representative present

Recovery Timeline

What to expect during your recovery

There is no medical recovery period for a discussion visit. Most people resume normal activities right away.

Typical Range

Same day

Return to Work

Same day

Recovery Milestones

Day 0

Resume normal daily activities

Day 0–2

Review visit summary and begin completing advance directive forms

Day 1–14

Share copies of documents with your health care agent and clinicians

Day 7–30

Schedule a follow-up discussion if more decisions are needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions and expert answers about this procedure

What is advance care planning?

It is a conversation and documentation process where you share your values and preferences for future medical care and choose someone to speak for you if you cannot.

What happens in a 30 minute session?

You review your goals, discuss common treatments like CPR and breathing machines, consider a health care agent, and plan next steps to document and share your wishes.

Is this the same as an advance directive or living will?

No. The visit is a discussion. An advance directive or living will is the document that records your decisions. The visit often helps you complete those forms.

Do I need a lawyer?

Many people complete basic advance directive forms without a lawyer. Legal requirements vary by state, so using your state’s official forms is helpful.

Can family or my health care agent join?

Yes. Having your chosen agent or a trusted person present, in person or by phone, is often encouraged.

Does Medicare cover this discussion?

Medicare may cover advance care planning, including as part of the Annual Wellness Visit. Coverage and costs vary by plan and setting.

Can this be done by telehealth?

Yes, many advance care planning conversations can be done by video or phone when permitted by your clinic and coverage.

How often should I update my plan?

People commonly review it after major life or health changes or at least once a year to keep preferences current.