Visitors are permitted at Austin Health sites with some restrictions. Find out more about our visitor restrictions.
Informed consent is a process. It is the willing acceptance of a medical treatment after talking about the treatment, it’s risks and benefits and alternative treatments.
Informed consent is an open, two-way discussion between you and your doctor to allow you to make an informed choice about your treatment. A signed consent form is a legal document.
Financial consent is when you agree to a medical treatment after talking about the cost information, including likely out-of-pocket expenses (gaps) prior to a treatment.
It is important for you to ask what the costs for a new treatment, medication, test or procedure are. There may be other options which can suit your financial situation.
For example, a new recommended medication may not be covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and not Government subsidised which may have a significant out of pocket cost. Your doctor may be able to recommend another medication which is cheaper and as effective.
Before you can make a decision about a treatment, you need to be given enough information. Your doctor must give you with information about:
If you feel you are not provided with enough information about the treatment - it is important you ask for more information. It is the responsibility of your doctor to give you enough information so that you can give consent.
It is important that you have all the information you need to make the decision and take an active role in the decision making process. You can:
These questions may help you better understand the procedure:
Remember, if you feel uncertain about the decision you are making – you have the right to seek the information you need to feel certain.
If you are unsure, you could:
Yes. You have the right to withdraw consent at any time (including during a procedure).
You can also download the information from this page as a fact sheet.
For further information contact:
Phone: 03 9496 5000