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Dental Service Phones Offline December 12

The Dental Service will be closed, and the dental service phones will be offline, 
on Friday, December 12, as we perform a systems upgrade.

For dental emergencies, dial 617-253-4481.

Healthcare Proxies and You

Even if you are perfectly healthy, accidents and unexpected events can happen, so it’s important to be prepared for the unexpected. 

MIT Health wants to help you ensure that you have discussed your healthcare wishes with your family and loved ones and that you have taken the important step of appointing someone to speak for you if you are ever unable to speak for yourself. In Massachusetts, you can do this by filling out a Healthcare Proxy form.

Walk-In Event: Healthcare Proxies 

November 20, 11–1 p.m.  
Vannevar Bush Room (10-105)

MIT Health will have clinicians on hand to answer any questions you have about filling out a Healthcare Proxy form. We will have witnesses available to attest to you signing your form, and, if you’re an MIT Health patient, we will enter the document into your electronic medical record. If you get healthcare off campus, we will make copies of the form for you to give to your primary care provider.  

What is a Healthcare Proxy?  

Your healthcare proxy is the person who will be your voice in the event you cannot make your own healthcare decisions. This person must be over 18 years old. Before filling out the Healthcare Proxy form, you should choose your proxy and have a conversation with that individual to make sure that they understand your healthcare wishes.   

What is required to complete the Healthcare Proxy form? 

You will need the contact information for your proxy (and any alternate proxies you choose). You do not need a notary public or a lawyer, but your signature must be witnessed by two adults.    

What should I do after I fill out my Healthcare Proxy form? 

  • Give a copy to your primary care provider and any specialists you see frequently. If you are an MIT Health patient, you can hand a copy of your form to any member of the clinical staff. We will scan it and enter it into your electronic medical record.  

  • Keep a copy for yourself, and put it in a safe place where others can find it easily.  

  • Give a copy to your proxy and anyone else you think should have a copy.   

  • Have periodic conversations with your proxy, reminding them about your wishes and letting them know if your wishes have changed.  

  • Discuss your wishes with your healthcare team. The more we know, the better equipped we will be to ensure your wishes are met.   

Events and resources 

All events are open to the entire MIT community. You do not need to get your care at MIT Health to participate. 

Walk-in event

Healthcare Proxy Event

November 20, 11–1 p.m.  
Vannevar Bush Room (10-105)

MIT Health will have clinicians on hand to answer any questions you have about filling out a Healthcare Proxy form. We will have witnesses available to attest to you signing your form, and, if you’re an MIT Health patient, we will enter the document into your electronic medical record. If you get healthcare off campus, we will make copies of the form for you to give to your primary care provider.  

Webinar

Healthcare Decisions webinar

Watch this recorded webinar from MIT Health’s Chief Health Officer, Dr. Cecilia Stuopis, for an introduction to healthcare proxies. These legal documents allow you to empower a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions for you when needed. You will learn how healthcare proxies work, why they matter, and how to ensure your wishes are honored. Whether you’re making decisions for yourself or supporting a loved one, this discussion will provide valuable guidance on navigating healthcare choices with confidence.

 

Podcast

Podcast: Healthcare Proxies 101

In this episode of Conversations with MIT Health, experts Jessica Senesi, ANP-BC, and Lydia Barlow, MD, discuss the importance of healthcare proxies. These legal documents allow you to empower a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions for you when needed. Tune in to learn why planning ahead is essential for everyone — no matter your age or health status.

Additional resources

The following are resources to help you with your conversations and to help when it comes time to fill out the form.  

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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