DOCUMENTING INFORMED REFUSAL A signed refusal for heart catheterization — including the risks, benefits and options, with the patient's signature witnessed — may have prevented this claim. "All cases of informed refusal should be thoroughly documented in the patient's medical record.
Just as the patient has a right to refuse any treatment, the dentist has the right to refuse any treatment. As a practicing dentist, I will give the patient the options that I feel are viable, and if they aren't convinced, I will refer them. I have a lot more content patients that way.
The documentation should include when and where the discussions occurred; who participated or was physically present during the conversations; the options, risks, benefits, costs, and possible outcomes addressed; and notations that the patient's questions were answered.
Be Honest and Direct: Explain your reasons for wanting to refuse the treatment. You might say something like: - ``I've been thinking about the crown treatment, and I've decided I would like to withdraw my consent. I appreciate your recommendation, but I have some reservations.''
Do I need to see the dentist if I have healthy teeth? Yes, even if you take good care of your teeth, going to the dentist should still be part of your routine because even though your teeth look healthy, you likely still have some plaque on your teeth or tartar on your gums that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Informed refusal may indicate that you and the patient have different values and expectations. Consider whether it would be best if that patient is dismissed from the practice and referred to another dentist. Example: the patient who refuses a radiograph you believe essential to proper diagnosis and treatment.
Meet All Legal Obligations Regarding Informed Refusal You have an ethical and legal responsibility to have an in-depth conversation with the patient. It should include a complete explanation of the benefits, risks, and potential outcomes they'll experience by agreeing to or refusing the treatment plan.
In its most basic terms, informed consent is the conversation during which the dentist gives the patient information about: Any dental health problems that the dentist observed. The nature of any proposed treatment. The potential benefits and risks associated with that treatment. Any alternatives to the proposed ...
Informed refusal is where a person has refused a recommended medical treatment based upon an understanding of the facts and implications of not following the treatment. Informed refusal is linked to the informed consent process, as a patient has a right to consent, but also may choose to refuse.