FAQs

Answers to your Common Questions

How Do I Select a Doctor?

To find a physician whose education, training, location and medical interests match your needs, call 1-800 SCRIPPS (1-800-727-4777). Our friendly, experienced staff offer referrals to physicians throughout San Diego County. We also provide helpful tips on selecting a doctor on our web site.

Who makes the decisions about my treatment?

Your doctors and support staff will give you information and advice about treatment, so that you can make the best decision for yourself.

How do I know what I want?

Your doctor must tell you about your medical condition, and what different treatments and pain management options can do for you. He or she will also inform you about potential side effects of treatments, procedures and medications.

Often, more than one treatment might help, and people have different ideas about which is best. That choice is yours to make and depends on what is important to you.

Can other people help with my decisions?

Yes. Patients often turn to relatives and close friends for help in making medical decisions. These people can help you think about your choices, and the possible implications. You can ask your doctor or nurse to talk with these people, so they better understand your options.

Can I choose a relative or friend to make health care decisions for me?

Yes. Ask the doctor to list that person as your health care “surrogate” in your medical record. The surrogate’s control over your medical decisions is effective only during treatment for your current illness or injury or, if you are in a medical facility, until you leave the facility.

What if I become too sick to make my own health care decisions?

If you haven’t named a surrogate (see above), your doctor will ask your closest available
relative or friend for assistance. Most of the time, this works. Sometimes, though, everyone doesn’t agree about what to do. That’s why it is helpful to indicate in advance what you want to happen if you can’t speak for yourself. Through an Advance Health Care Directive, you can designate who you want to speak on your behalf and even what kinds of treatments you want.