Texas Medical Assistant Certification Practice Test

Who is responsible for informing the patient of the risks, the details of the procedure, the expected outcome, and any possible negative outcomes of a procedure?

1. Physician

2. Medical assistant

3. Insurance company

4. Registered nurse

The correct answer is: Physician

The physician is responsible for informing the patient about the risks, details of the procedure, expected outcomes, and any possible negative outcomes. This responsibility stems from the principle of informed consent, which requires that patients understand what a procedure entails before they agree to undergo it. The physician is the one who possesses the medical expertise required to explain complex medical concepts and assess the suitability of the procedure for the patient. While a registered nurse and medical assistants may provide education and support to patients, they operate under the supervision of physicians and typically reinforce what the physician has explained. The insurance company is not involved in the direct communication between patients and healthcare providers regarding treatment risks and outcomes. Thus, the responsibility to ensure that a patient fully understands the implications of a procedure lies squarely with the physician.