What's On News June 2019 Informed Financial Consent

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Informed Financial Consent

Friday 21 June 2019

Three words. But what do they really mean to us, and what do they mean to our patients?

A simple Google search will display any number of industry guidelines, hospital by-laws, association statements, standards, forms, templates and numerous other resources.

The Mater By-Laws  clearly state what is expected of us regarding financial disclosure and informed financial consent, and as healthcare providers we have obligations in relation to informed financial consent and what this means in private practise.

But what about the consumer – our patients? Navigating, compiling and understanding informed financial consent and health care costs can be overwhelming – and all this is coming at a time when they are already likely feeling unsure and vulnerable.

As Health care professionals we want to do the right thing for our patients and be confident they are aware of the financial implications of their care, whether from us directly, or others.

Private Healthcare Australia have developed a tool to assist patients in discovering what out of pocket expenses they may incur. Mater has adapted this tool and made it available for our patients—the Your Gap Checklist for private patients.

Whilst the Your Gap Checklist for private patients does not replace our obligations to provide and obtain informed financial consent, it is a series of questions patients can ask those directly involved in their care, so they can get a much clearer idea of potential out of pockets from all those involved in their care and can concentrate on what’s important – their health and wellness.