Thinking about one’s own death is not easy for anyone. And yet it is an act of care—toward oneself and one’s loved ones. With a living will, you retain control over your medical treatment, even if you are one day unable to express your wishes. The most important step toward that goal is a trusting conversation with a doctor. To that end, Primarius Dr. Dieter Pfaffenberger, a specialist in internal medicine in Vienna’s Neubau district, is devoting the time this topic deserves.
What is a living will?
A living will is a written statement in which you specify in advance which medical treatments you wish to refuse in a particular situation. It is an expression of your self-determination—in case one day you are no longer able to make decisions or communicate for yourself.
Important to know: A living will only takes effect if you find yourself in a medical emergency, are no longer capable of making decisions—for example, due to a coma or advanced dementia—and can no longer express your wishes. As long as you are able to make your own decisions, your current wishes will always prevail. You may revoke this order at any time.
Binding or significant—the two types
- Legally Binding Advance Directive: It is legally binding on doctors. This requires a comprehensive medical evaluation followed by a legal review by an authorized body.
- Non-standard (informal) advance directive: It is less strictly bound by formal requirements and serves as an important guide for the treatment team in determining your presumed wishes.
Both options have their merits—the best way to determine which one is right for you is to discuss it in person.
The first step: a consultation with a doctor
Before a living will can be drawn up, a consultation with a doctor is required. It clearly explains which treatments and situations may be affected and what the consequences of a refusal are. This explanation is documented in the order—it serves as the technical basis for ensuring that your wishes are correctly understood and carried out later on.
If you wish to draw up a legally binding advance healthcare directive, there is one more legal step to take after consulting with a doctor: The directive must be reviewed by the Vienna Care and Patient Advocacy Office (WPPA), a notary, or an attorney to ensure it is complete and understandable, and then certified.
Personal Consultation with Primarius Dr. Dieter Pfaffenberger
A topic like this requires calm, trust, and someone who will listen. That is exactly what the consultation with Primarius Dr. Dieter Pfaffenberger is all about. As a specialist in internal medicine, he makes a point of taking his time during every consultation: He listens to you, addresses your personal circumstances, and explains medical concepts in plain language—without technical jargon and without rushing.
This way, you can take your time to think about what matters to you and make well-informed, independent decisions. His medical expertise ensures that your advance directive is medically sound and clearly documented—so that your wishes will be reliably understood in an emergency. Discretion and a respectful approach are a given.
For many people, it is a great relief to finally know that this important matter is in good hands—both for themselves and for their loved ones, who won’t have to make decisions on their own in an emergency.
How to schedule an Appointment
- The name, address, phone number, and date of birth of two trusted contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living Wills
When does my advance healthcare directive take effect?
Only if you find yourself in a medical emergency, are no longer capable of making decisions, and can no longer express your wishes. As long as you are able to make your own decisions, your current wishes are what count.
Can I change my advance directive again?
Yes. You can revoke or amend your advance directive at any time.
Why is a medical consultation necessary?
Because a living will only reliably reflects your wishes if you understand the medical context and consequences. The physician’s explanation establishes this basis and is documented in the order.
How long is a living will valid?
A legally binding advance healthcare directive is valid for 8 years and can be extended thereafter following further medical consultation.
