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- Jan 29, 2006
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I was having a discussion with a colleague last night about having patients sign AMA (against medical advice) forms. I find myself rarely having the patient actually sign it, but dictating in my note that I had a discussion, explained risks of XYZ, patient refused procedure/admission, patient accepts risk and demonstrates own capacity for decision making.
My colleague seemed to think that despite that, having a signed AMA form in the chart is better protection (of course both would probably be best)
I was wondering what other people think about patients leaving AMA and using a signed form versus dictating the discussion you had. I've thought about it and I find I use the AMA form more when patients are refusing an admission, but a dictation when patients are refusing a procedure (blood draws, radiology, LPs). Patients refusing a procedure often end up getting discharged, and in their discharge instructions (which they sign), I do write "You refused XYZ today, if you change your mind please return yada yada yada"
What does everyone else do? Thanks!
My colleague seemed to think that despite that, having a signed AMA form in the chart is better protection (of course both would probably be best)
I was wondering what other people think about patients leaving AMA and using a signed form versus dictating the discussion you had. I've thought about it and I find I use the AMA form more when patients are refusing an admission, but a dictation when patients are refusing a procedure (blood draws, radiology, LPs). Patients refusing a procedure often end up getting discharged, and in their discharge instructions (which they sign), I do write "You refused XYZ today, if you change your mind please return yada yada yada"
What does everyone else do? Thanks!