Advance Care Planning in Troy, MI

Advance care planning is about making sure your wishes are known and respected, no matter what the future holds. At Phase Medical Group, we guide patients through thoughtful, unhurried conversations about the care they would want if they could not speak for themselves. This is not about preparing for the worst. It is about taking control and giving yourself and your loved ones peace of mind.

What Is Advance Care Planning?

Advance care planning is the process of thinking about, discussing, and documenting your preferences for future medical care. It involves making decisions now about the treatments you would or would not want if you became seriously ill or unable to communicate. These decisions are then recorded in legal documents that guide your family and medical team.

The key documents involved in advance care planning include:

• Living Will: A written statement of your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments such as mechanical ventilation, tube feeding, and resuscitation
• Healthcare Proxy (Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare): A legal document naming someone you trust to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so
• POLST Form (Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment): A medical order completed with your physician that translates your wishes into specific, actionable instructions for emergency responders and hospital staff

Who Should Do Advance Care Planning?

The short answer is everyone. Advance care planning is not just for the elderly or those with serious illness. Every adult over 18 benefits from having their wishes documented. Unexpected medical emergencies can happen at any age, and having a plan in place ensures that your preferences are followed and that your family is not left guessing during an already stressful time.

You may want to schedule an advance care planning visit if you:

• Have never created an advance directive or named a healthcare proxy
• Have been diagnosed with a chronic or serious health condition
• Are approaching a major surgery or medical procedure
• Have experienced a significant life change such as marriage, divorce, or the loss of a loved one
• Want to update documents you created years ago
• Simply want the peace of mind that comes with having a plan

What the Conversation Covers

During your advance care planning visit, your physician will walk you through a series of topics at your own pace. There is no rush, and no question is too small. The conversation typically includes:

• Your values and what matters most to you in terms of quality of life
• Your preferences for life-sustaining treatments in various scenarios
• Who you would want to make decisions on your behalf
• How to communicate your wishes to your family
• Which documents are right for your situation
• How to make your documents legally valid in Michigan

You are welcome to bring a family member or your designated healthcare proxy to the appointment. Many patients find it helpful to have these conversations together so everyone is on the same page.

Medicare Coverage for Advance Care Planning

Medicare covers advance care planning as part of your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit. This means there is no additional cost for Medicare beneficiaries when advance care planning is included in your annual wellness exam. It can also be billed as a separate visit when medically appropriate.

Most private insurance plans also cover advance care planning conversations as a preventive or counseling service. Our team can help you verify your coverage before your appointment.

Why Choose Phase Medical Group

Advance care planning requires trust, sensitivity, and time. Dr. Alex Christofis approaches these conversations with compassion and genuine interest in understanding what matters to you. Your physician will never pressure you into decisions or rush through the process. At Phase Medical Group, we believe that documenting your wishes is one of the most caring things you can do for yourself and for the people who love you.

Because we serve as your primary care home, your advance care documents become part of your medical record and are readily available whenever they are needed. We also help you revisit and update your plan as your circumstances or wishes change over time.

Areas We Serve

Conveniently located at 6905 Rochester Road in Troy, MI. Serving Troy, Rochester Hills, Sterling Heights, Shelby Township, Oakland County, Macomb County, and the greater Metro Detroit area.

Start the Conversation Today

You do not need to have all the answers before your appointment. The purpose of advance care planning is to start the conversation and build from there. Call us at 248-847-0626 to schedule your advance care planning visit. Your future self and your family will thank you.