I am suppose to have breast augmentation surgery in January. I have been asked to sign waiver/consent forms. The forms that I am being asked to sign seem to be giving permission to my doctor to do as she pleases. If anything goes wrong, what recourse do I have if I sign the forms? I like my doctor, she's very honest and I don't have any reason not to trust her but I am very uncomfortable about signing my life away.
December 1, 2016
Answer: Consent forms before surgery Consent forms for surgery are necessary to make clear that your doctor has discussed the procedure in detail with you including potential risks and complications. You should have a comfort level that you understand what these are before signing the consent and therefore proceeding with surgery.
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December 1, 2016
Answer: Consent forms before surgery Consent forms for surgery are necessary to make clear that your doctor has discussed the procedure in detail with you including potential risks and complications. You should have a comfort level that you understand what these are before signing the consent and therefore proceeding with surgery.
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December 1, 2016
Answer: Proof of Informed-consent Thank you for your question. Gathering informed-consent is a vital process of discussion and documentation that is required whenever medical decision is made. The greater the risk revolving the medical decision, the greater the need for documentation. Your surgeon may not proceed with surgery without having you sign the consent forms. Gathering informed-consent is part of respecting the ethical principle of patient autonomy that dictates that each patient has the right to make their own medical decisions in line with their values, beliefs, and preferences, as long as they are capable. Gathering informed-consent requires the patient to know their current medical condition, the treatment options, the risks/benefits of each treatment option, and the possible outcomes. Realistically, informed consent is required for every single medical act such as ordering a blood test, prescribing a pill, or doing a surgery. However, documentation becomes important when the risk of harm is potentially higher, or when the procedure requires great intrusion on the patient's body. The important point here is that the surgery is elective, meaning that it is not medically necessary, and if it is solely for cosmetic reasons, the need for documenting informed-consent becomes crucial. For example, if you were enrolled in an experimental study that is testing a drug, then you would have to provide informed-consent so that you are aware of the benefits and risks of participating. So, the forms you are referring to are in place to document this informed-consent process, and serve as evidence for the fact that you knew of all the risks and complications related to the surgery, the anesthesia, etcetera heading into surgery. Please know that the waiver does not give your surgeon right do whatever they please, but only do that which is in your best interests. This could include filling in more volume in the implants to achieve symmetry, or using a different incision when there is danger of encountering sensitive nerves and tissues, etc. If they harm you, and have done something that a competent doctor in the same position would not have done, then they can still be held liable and this act would come under medical negligence. So please understand that you are only giving your surgeon authority to act in your best interests and nothing else. Hope this helps.
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December 1, 2016
Answer: Proof of Informed-consent Thank you for your question. Gathering informed-consent is a vital process of discussion and documentation that is required whenever medical decision is made. The greater the risk revolving the medical decision, the greater the need for documentation. Your surgeon may not proceed with surgery without having you sign the consent forms. Gathering informed-consent is part of respecting the ethical principle of patient autonomy that dictates that each patient has the right to make their own medical decisions in line with their values, beliefs, and preferences, as long as they are capable. Gathering informed-consent requires the patient to know their current medical condition, the treatment options, the risks/benefits of each treatment option, and the possible outcomes. Realistically, informed consent is required for every single medical act such as ordering a blood test, prescribing a pill, or doing a surgery. However, documentation becomes important when the risk of harm is potentially higher, or when the procedure requires great intrusion on the patient's body. The important point here is that the surgery is elective, meaning that it is not medically necessary, and if it is solely for cosmetic reasons, the need for documenting informed-consent becomes crucial. For example, if you were enrolled in an experimental study that is testing a drug, then you would have to provide informed-consent so that you are aware of the benefits and risks of participating. So, the forms you are referring to are in place to document this informed-consent process, and serve as evidence for the fact that you knew of all the risks and complications related to the surgery, the anesthesia, etcetera heading into surgery. Please know that the waiver does not give your surgeon right do whatever they please, but only do that which is in your best interests. This could include filling in more volume in the implants to achieve symmetry, or using a different incision when there is danger of encountering sensitive nerves and tissues, etc. If they harm you, and have done something that a competent doctor in the same position would not have done, then they can still be held liable and this act would come under medical negligence. So please understand that you are only giving your surgeon authority to act in your best interests and nothing else. Hope this helps.
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December 1, 2016
Answer: Consent forms Consent forms are required for all patients that are going to have a surgical procedure. The information in these forms educate patients of the possible complications that can occur with a surgery. Ideally you should review these forms and take time to ask questions of your physician to make sure you are well informed regarding risks and benefits of having a surgical procedure.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
December 1, 2016
Answer: Consent forms Consent forms are required for all patients that are going to have a surgical procedure. The information in these forms educate patients of the possible complications that can occur with a surgery. Ideally you should review these forms and take time to ask questions of your physician to make sure you are well informed regarding risks and benefits of having a surgical procedure.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful