Family on the call
Family on the call
Many of our patients bring someone: a daughter in Ohio, a son across town, a friend who drives. Here is how it works.
A visit goes better when the person who worries about you hears what you hear. Your family member can join by video, by phone or in the room, and they do not need to live nearby, or in Florida.
It is always your choice, and always yours to change. You can start alone and bring someone in later, or ask them to step out at any point.
What we ask of the person who joins
- Be on the call at the time you have agreed
- Let you speak first
- Add what they have noticed, once you have finished
- Leave the decisions with you
Before the call
Three things happen first
Nothing is shared until you have said so.
You tell us who
Give us a name and a phone number when you book, or on the day.
You give permission in writing
One short form. It says who may join, who may hear about your care afterward, and for how long. You can change it whenever you like.
We send the link to you
You forward it, or we send it to them, as you prefer. Or they call the office number at the time of the visit.
On the call
How we run it
The same visit, with one more person in it.
- 01
You speak first
Your prescriber asks you the questions, and waits for your answer.
- 02
Your family adds what they have seen
Changes in sleep, in appetite, in how you get around. Often it is the thing you would not have thought to say.
- 03
We explain in plain words
What we are thinking, why, and what happens next, so everyone leaves with the same understanding.
- 04
You get the summary
It is written in large print, and goes to you. It goes to your family only if you say so.
Questions
Questions about family on the call
Can my daughter join from another state?
Yes. Your family member can be anywhere. You need to be in Florida at the time of the visit, because that is where we are licensed.
What if I would rather talk with you alone?
Then we talk alone. A visit on your own is always an option, and you can bring someone later.
Can my family call you about me?
We can listen to them, but we can tell them nothing about your care unless you have said we may, in writing.
What if I have trouble remembering what was said?
That is what the large-print summary is for, and why many people bring someone. Your prescriber can also go over the plan again at the end of the visit.
Start here
Want to bring someone along?
Tell us who, when you book. We will send the permission form.