Inquiring about religious issues during a medical visit is appropriate under certain circumstances, including the following: When patients are severely ill, under substantial stress, or near death and ask or suggest that a health care professional talk about religious issues When patients tell a health care professional that they are religious and that religion helps them cope with illness When religious needs are evident and may be affecting patients' health or health behaviors Older adults often have distinct spiritual needs that may overlap with but are not the same as psychologic needs.