Doctors are responsible for code status discussions with patients in the hospital setting. However, several barriers are associated with these discussions, relating to both doctors and patients. Inadequate or insufficient communication can lead to inappropriate care, contrary to patients' preferences and, subsequently, to a suboptimal use of health care resources. Ways to improve these discussions have been identified, such as doctor-targeted educational programs and inserting decisions about code status within a more general discussion of patients' goals of care. These interventions could allow a better understanding and consideration of patients' values and preferences, hence improving shared-decision making about cardiopulmonary resuscitation.