How to Use An In-Forms           Risk-Disclosure Form
	A. Before giving the form to your patient or the patient's guardian, explain it verbally. Here is an illustration: “... Because you have this condition, I would recommend that you have your womb removed. As you may know, the operation is called a hysterectomy. You and I have to discuss the nature of this operation in some detail. Also, you may be aware that before I can perform an operation of this type, the law requires that I obtain your informed consent. This means that I must explain to you what this operation is all about and what risks there are to the operation. I will also be discussing alternatives to the operation with you. Because the law is becoming so strict, I like to use a form to help me document that you and I have discussed some of the necessary information. This form is not meant to scare you; however it is pretty explicit about mentioning the risks to this operation. Most of the bad risks that are mentioned are quite rare, but they are things that have happened to patients very uncommonly. There are some complications listed that I have not even had occur (if you can say this honestly) in all my years of practice. Anyway, please read the form carefully and then we will discuss the operation in more detail and I will answer some questions you probably have. I have found that a thorough explanation of the important aspects of surgery like this helps reduce the patient's fear and anxiety and gives better results...” B. Wherever possible, have your patient take the risk-disclosure form home for further study. Have the patient return with written questions (which should be made a part of the medical record). The back of the form may be used for this purpose. C. When the patient returns after having studied the form, answer all of the patient's questions. Risk managers recommend that you document what questions were asked and what specific answers were given. At this time, also explain the surgery and its alternatives, including what is likely to happen if no operation is performed. (If consent is denied by the patient, have the patient sign a statement of refusal for the procedure.) Have the patient sign the list of questions and answers. Make all of this documentation a part of the medical record. D. Whenever possible, have the patient sign the form in your office prior to hospitalization. THE PATIENT CANNOT BE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ANY MIND-ALTERING SUBSTANCE AT THE TIME OF SIGNING. The patient should sign a risk-disclosure form for each procedure expected to be performed by you as well as by others (such as an anesthesiologist). Have the patient sign (or initial) any additional risk information that you have added to the risk-disclosure form front or back. The patient then must also sign a consent to surgery and other medical services, such as the In-Forms General Consent form.
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Pricing, availibility of specific forms, and content of forms are subject to change without notice. In-Forms makes NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS or IMPLIED, no guarantee, and no assurance that the proper use of its Risk-Disclosure acknowledgment forms will prevent any or all future malpractice claims or recoveries, including those based on the "doctrine of informed consent."
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