Speak Up For Your Health

Avoiding Regret: The Power of Informed Consent

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Reading and understanding a medical consent form before you sign it can make the difference between acceptance and regret if you experience a complication. Cris Ross, the CIO of Mayo Clinic, shares his cancer journey and reflects on the complexities of surgery, recovery, and the lessons learned that inspired him to write a book on navigating healthcare.

Key Takeaway: Avoid Regret

  • Voice your preferences and priorities. You don't need to be a doctor or a healthcare professional, but you need to know enough about your condition and the alternatives to make informed decisions.
  • Be realistic about the tradeoffs between different decisions. Talk about them with your physician and your family. Deliberating out loud is an effective way to make sure you fully understand the risks and benefits of different alternatives.
  • Read the consent form. Really read it. Make sure it includes 4 key elements: purpose of the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives. For elective surgery, ask for the medical consent form at your pre-op visit so that you can review at home it without feeling rushed to sign it.

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    "Diagnosed: An Insiders Guide For Your Healthcare Journey" by Cris Ross and Ed Marx is now available on Amazon!

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    Speak Up For Your HealthBy Archelle Georgiou, MD