What should a Medical Assistant verify before any procedure?

Informed consent is a fundamental ethical and legal requirement in medical practice. Before any procedure, it is essential for a Medical Assistant to verify that informed consent has been obtained from the patient. This process ensures that the patient has been adequately informed about the nature of the procedure, the risks and benefits involved, and any alternatives. It also confirms that the patient understands this information and voluntarily agrees to proceed.

Obtaining informed consent protects the patient's autonomy and right to make decisions regarding their own healthcare, and it serves as a legal safeguard for healthcare providers. If consent is not properly documented and verified, it may lead to legal consequences for both the provider and the institution, as it undermines the ethical principle of respect for the patient's rights.

While verifying insurance details, availability of medical supplies, and patient eligibility for treatment are important aspects of patient care, they do not carry the same ethical and legal weight as ensuring informed consent. The primary focus before any procedure must be on the patient's understanding and agreement to the treatment being provided.