For Patients
The California Patient's Guide
A guide created to inform you of your rights to receive quality health care and what steps you can take if you encounter problems. Visit the California Patient’s Guide website at www.calpatientguide.org.
Find a Community Clinic
California Primary Care Association (CPCA) is the statewide leader and recognized voice representing the interests of California community clinics and health centers and their patients. CPCA represents more than 600 not-for-profit community clinics and health centers (CCHCs) who provide comprehensive, quality health care services, particularly for low-income, uninsured and underserved Californians, who might otherwise not have access to health care. Visit the CPCA website at www.cpca.org to locate a community clinic near you.
Take an Active Role in Your Healthcare Brochure
The California Medical Association’s “Taking an Active Role in Your Healthcare” brochure assists patients and their families prepare for a visit with a physician or hospital stay. Click here to download the brochure.
Patient Health Education
The California Medical Association Foundation provides patient educational materials on a wide variety of health issues, including diabetes, obesity, pediatric vaccines, flu and cold, and the proper the use of antibiotics. For more information, visit www.thecmafoundation.org.
Advanced Directive Kit
The California Medical Association publishes an Advance Health Care Directive Kit which is available for purchase on the CMA website (www.cmanet.org). The kit includes an Advance Health Care Directive form and wallet cards, as well as answers to questions commonly asked about Advance Directives. For more information or to purchase the kit click here.
POLST Kit
The Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form is commonly used by patients with a serious illness or whose life expectancy is a year or less. The California Medical Association publishes a POLST kit which enables patients to outline a plan of care reflecting the patient’s wishes concerning medical treatment and interventions at life’s end. The kit includes legal forms and wallet identification cards, and answers frequently asked questions about POLST and other end-of-life issues. POLST kits are available in both English and Spanish and can be purchased from CMA’s online store.