What should a Medical Assistant verify before any procedure?

Before any procedure, a Medical Assistant must verify that informed consent has been obtained. Informed consent is a fundamental ethical and legal requirement in healthcare, ensuring that patients are fully aware of and understand the nature of the procedure, its risks and benefits, and any alternatives available. This process respects the patient's autonomy and right to make informed decisions about their own health care.

Obtaining informed consent protects both the patient and the healthcare provider by ensuring that the patient agrees to the proposed treatment after being adequately informed. It also serves as a legal safeguard for the medical staff involved, as it confirms that the patient has been informed and agrees to the procedure.

While verifying insurance details, the availability of medical supplies, and the patient’s eligibility for treatment are important operational considerations, they do not hold the same ethical and legal weight as informed consent. Supporting patient autonomy through informed consent is paramount in healthcare practice.