Informed Consent—Because What You Don’t Know May Hurt You

By Thomas Greer | December 31, 2012

Every medical procedure has its risks. You’re not a doctor, but given enough information, you are able to weigh the pros and cons of a procedure and make an educated decision about whether a treatment is right for you. This is the premise behind informed consent.

“Informed consent” is a legal and medical term that means your doctor has to advise you of the risks of a treatment plan or medical procedure and get your consent before he goes ahead with your treatment. Informed consent usually means that you are verbally advised of the risks before signing a written consent form.

Informed consent should include:

  • Your medical condition
  • The purpose of the planned procedure including the expected outcome
  • The chances that the procedure will be successful
  • The risks involved in undergoing the procedure
  • Whether there are alternatives to the treatment or procedure and the risks involved in the alternatives
  • Your expected recovery time
  • The name of the doctor performing the procedure
  • The doctor’s qualifications
  • The approximate cost of the procedure as well as how much of the cost will be covered by your health insurance

You must also be given a chance to ask the doctor questions.

Signing an informed consent form does not mean your doctor cannot be held liable for malpractice if you are injured during the procedure. But, if you are injured and you were not advised of the risks of the surgery or treatment, you may be able to file a Tennessee medical malpractice lawsuit.

If you have questions about your rights as a patient or a potential Tennessee medical malpractice claim, please contact the Memphis medical malpractice attorneys at Bailey & Greer at 901-680-9777.

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