IPOST (Iowa Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment)

What is it?

IPOST stands for Iowa Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment. It communicates and directs your care in a medical crisis.
IPOST is a recognizable and standardized state form that gives people control over the treatments they want.
Completing the IPOST form is voluntary, and it belongs to you.
A copy will not be kept as part of your healthcare provider’s medical record.

Why have an IPOST form?

You can lift a burden from those you love by completing an Advance Directive and IPOST form.
When seriously ill, an IPOST offers you and your loved ones assurance that you will receive the treatments you want.
You can also direct what treatments you do not want to have.

How is it used?

In a medical situation, IPOST directs emergency staff, such as First Responders, EMTs, Paramedics, and Providers to the type of care you do or do not want.
IPOST orders show what treatments you want now, in your current state of health.

IPOST overview

IPOST form belongs to the patient.
IPOST form is a medical order, recognized statewide.
IPOST can be completed by any individual, regardless of age, who has a chronic or serious medical condition or who is frail and elderly.

Who completes and signs the IPOST form?

You and your healthcare provider will talk about choices you have. A health care provider must sign the IPOST form.
You may discuss your wishes with a social worker, nurse, or trained facilitator who will help you complete the form and then have it signed later by your healthcare provider.
If you are unable to speak for yourself, your healthcare agent or representative can speak on your behalf.

The IPOST form asks for information about:

Your medical conditions
Whether or not you want cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR - a lifesaving method used when someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. It is used in many emergencies, such as a heart attack or near drowning).
Whether or not you want to be on a breathing machine
Use of antibiotics in your treatment
IV fluids and/or tube feeding

What if I change my mind?

The IPOST can be reviewed, changed, or voided at any time.
• Contact your health care provider’s office at any time if you want to make changes to your IPOST.

Where do I keep my IPOST form?

The IPOST form goes where you go−at home, the hospital, or long-term care facility.
At home−keep on refrigerator. EMS personnel are trained to look for it there.
During your hospital stay or at health care facilities−it’s kept on the medical chart and then returned to you upon discharge. The IPOST form will travel with you.

TO LEARN MORE:
Ask your healthcare provider.