What is the primary purpose of informed consent in Direct Access care?

• A. To obtain payment in advance
• B. To inform patient about procedures, risks, benefits, and alternatives and obtain voluntary agreement within scope.
• C. To diagnose patient conditions
• D. To determine radiographs necessity

Answer: (B)

Informed consent in Direct Access care centers on making sure the patient understands what will be done, the potential risks and benefits, and the available alternatives, and that they voluntarily agree to proceed within the provider’s legal scope. This respects patient autonomy and creates a clear, ethical basis for care.

For example, before proceeding with imaging or treatment steps, the clinician explains why the procedure is recommended, what risks (such as radiation exposure or adverse effects) exist, what benefits are expected, and what alternatives or options exist (including opting out). The patient then consents or declines, with the understanding that care will proceed only if they agree and the plan stays within the permitted scope.

Payment in advance, diagnosing the patient, or simply determining the necessity of radiographs are not the primary purpose of informed consent. Consent is about the patient’s understanding and voluntary agreement to the proposed care, not the billing, diagnostic process, or decision-making in isolation.