1,245. Visiting the Sick vs. Comforting Mourners

193:10 We don't visit someone who is sick with intestinal distress because it's embarrassing for them. We also don't visit someone whose eyes or head hurt. Similarly, if a person has gotten so sick that speaking is difficult, we don't visit him personally. Rather, we stay in an outer room and inquire about the patient and whether he needs anything, and we listen about his distress and pray for him.

193:11 Let's say that a person has the possibility of performing two mitzvos: visiting the sick and comforting mourners. If he is able to do both, visiting the sick comes first, so that he may pray for them. If it's not possible to do both, then comforting mourners takes priority because it is a kindness for both the living and the deceased.