One of the underpinnings of the American medical system is the idea that patients have certain rights when it comes to health care. Perhaps the most important of these rights is called “informed consent,” which basically means that doctors have the responsibility of telling their patients what conditions they have, as well as explaining the viable options for treatment of these conditions. You may have already assumed that this was common practice based on your past experiences with medical professionals, but you should remember that is actually a requirement mandated by law.

In addition to telling you about the treatment options available to you, your medical provider must also receive your written consent for many of the more intensive procedures he or she might recommend before proceeding to complete them. This can include all types of surgeries, whether in or out of the hospital, as well as chemotherapy or radiation treatments, vaccinations, and complicated medical testing. Before you assent to a procedure, you should use your rights as a patient to understand exactly what’s going to happen. The doctor should explain why he or she recommends that you receive a particular treatment, how that treatment will be administered, the odds that the procedure will help you, and possible side effects triggered by the treatment. Don’t let your health care provider forget that he or she is also responsible for telling you about any other treatment options that might help your condition as well as explaining whether you need the procedure now or if you can hold off for a while.

Of course, even if a doctor offers you scads of information about a treatment, it doesn’t mean that it will make a difference. After all, if you can’t understand what he or she is talking about, you can’t make an informed decision. Don’t simply nod along as the doctor explains the procedure – think about it critically. Do you understand everything that your health care provider is telling you? If you’re unclear about something or feel like the conversation is over your head, it’s time to put the brakes on and ask for an explanation. Forget any reluctance you might feel about speaking up and simply remind yourself that it’s your health you’re risking if you agree to something without understanding it. Also keep in mind that while your health care provider can suggest that you use a certain treatment option or that you avoid another option, he or she should never force you into a treatment against your will.

As you strive to be an involved and empowered patient, you must understand that there are certain restrictions surrounding informed consent. For one, it isn’t required at all times. Suppose you were involved in a terrible car accident and needed emergency surgery to save your life. In most cases, a doctor would never send you into major surgery without going over possible benefits and risks and requesting your written consent to perform the operation, but emergencies are completely different. Another restriction is that informed consent laws don’t apply to everybody. For example, people in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease or who are in a coma can’t be expected to make an informed decision, so the health care provider can instead turn to a surrogate to make the choice instead.

With this information in mind, you should feel a bit more at ease going into your next doctor’s appointment. Remember that no matter what health issues you might face in the future, at least you can rest easy knowing your rights.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health.

Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health. http://www.spineseminar.com/

Author Bio: Taylor Thomas is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to health.

Category: Medical Business
Keywords: informed consent, patient rights, healthcare, patient education