What is the purpose of a patient consent form prior to collection?

The purpose of a patient consent form is fundamentally to inform the patient about the procedure and obtain their permission for it to be performed. This form plays a critical role in the ethical practice of healthcare, ensuring that patients are fully educated on what the procedure entails, the potential risks involved, and any alternatives that may be available. By signing the consent form, patients are acknowledging that they understand this information and agree to proceed, which reinforces their rights and autonomy in healthcare decisions.

While documenting the procedure performed and assessing the patient's understanding of the procedure are important aspects of patient care, they are not the primary reason for the consent form itself. The collection of insurance information is also unrelated to the core purpose of the consent form, which is primarily focused on the patient's informed agreement to undergo a specific procedure.