Say what?

[Gliderman8]

I went to a new doctor yesterday. The receptionist handed me the customary new paperwork to fill out. Insurance, emergency contact, employment, etc.
On page two I had to initial that I would be responsible for any payment that insurance does not cover, AND initial that I give my permission for the doctor to examine me. What?
I told the lady behind the desk that I made the appointment to see the doctor knowing that he would examine me and that’s why I’m here.
Of course she was unable to give me a legitimate reason that I had to initial in order for the doctor to see me. What the…. ?

 

[NutmegCT]

I'll betcha, the provider's insurance companies require that. I asked my doctor if he noticed anything worrisome in the 14 pages of questions I had to complete before my annual physical exam.

Doctor said he didn't know I was getting those forms to complete. Said it was my health insurance company that required it; my doctor never sees all that paperwork.

oy

 

[Popeye]

While I fully agree, unfortunately, providing medical treatment without consent is battery... the patient initials on the form is one way the doctors can avoid going to jail

(As a side note, the initials may be used to flag prevent abuse - the patient may not want the treatment but someone (e.g. spouse, child) is forcing it. The form is an opportunity to privately state, "something is wrong". I suspect not initialing generates attention behind the scenes.)

What Is Informed Consent?

Informed consent is an ethical and legal requirement for medical treatment. Your doctor must educate you about your treatment before you agree to it.

my.clevelandclinic.org

"Informed consent is an ethical concept first, a legal concept second, and finally, a formal administrative process. In the United States, informed consent laws vary by state and by circumstances. Some cases require a signed document indicating your informed consent, while others only require a verbal agreement. But in all cases, healthcare providers have to keep some record of the process."

 

[Gliderman8]

While I fully agree, unfortunately, providing medical treatment without consent is battery... the patient initials on the form is one way the doctors can avoid going to jail

(As a side note, the initials may be used to flag prevent abuse - the patient may not want the treatment but someone (e.g. spouse, child) is forcing it. The form is an opportunity to privately state, "something is wrong". I suspect not initialing generates attention behind the scenes.)

What Is Informed Consent?

Informed consent is an ethical and legal requirement for medical treatment. Your doctor must educate you about your treatment before you agree to it.

my.clevelandclinic.org

"Informed consent is an ethical concept first, a legal concept second, and finally, a formal administrative process. In the United States, informed consent laws vary by state and by circumstances. Some cases require a signed document indicating your informed consent, while others only require a verbal agreement. But in all cases, healthcare providers have to keep some record of the process."

Mike-
Thanks for the explanation... it's a better one than I got from the lady behind the desk.
Now, to take it one step further, when Johnny orders a hamburger with green beans, the waitress needs to ask Johnny if that's what he ~really~ wants just in case mom is forcing him to eat more vegetables

 

[Popeye]

Mike-
Thanks for the explanation... it's a better one than I got from the lady behind the desk.
Now, to take it one step further, when Johnny orders a hamburger with green beans, the waitress needs to ask Johnny if that's what he ~really~ wants just in case mom is forcing him to eat more vegetables

I think Johnny's mom might commit battery if there are no green beans...

 

[Gliderman8]

I think Johnny's mom might commit battery if there are no green beans...

….then Johnny would have to see a doctor so we are coming full circle.

 

[John Turney]

 

[Gliderman8]

View attachment 99657

 

[AngliaGT]

Isn't that the same guy who invented the Turbo Encabulator?

 

[Basil]

View attachment 99657

Thanks for the clarification

 

[Silverghost]

The Reader's Digest version -

Eschew Obfuscation, Espouse Elucidation​