What must be included in informed consent for office-based foot procedures?

• A. Informed consent is not required for office-based procedures.
• B. Verbal consent alone is sufficient in all cases.
• C. Informed consent describing risks, alternatives, and potential outcomes must be obtained.
• D. Consent is only required for invasive surgeries.

Answer: (C)

Informed consent for office-based foot procedures centers on giving the patient a clear picture of what will be done, the risks involved, reasonable alternatives (including the option of not having the procedure), and the likely outcomes. This information lets the patient make a knowledgeable decision about proceeding. Because of that, the consent must describe the risks, alternatives, and potential outcomes and be obtained before performing the procedure. It should be explained in terms the patient can understand and documented in the medical record. Verbal consent alone is not universally sufficient in all cases, and consent is not limited to invasive surgeries.