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Recent global conflicts may impact your travel. If you have Avant Travel Cover and you need to make a claim, please contact QBE on +61 2 9375 4874. For emergency assistance, please call +61 2 8907 5660 or email assist@worldtravelprotection.com.

See travel alerts
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Informed Financial Consent: what you need to know

Our informed financial consent (IFC) hub brings together our specialty‑specific guidance and real case studies to help clinicians apply IFC principles in everyday practice. These resources highlight common pitfalls, practical solutions and key regulatory expectations, supporting safer, clearer and more transparent consent processes for your patients.

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Factsheet Informed Financial Consent

Informed financial consent (IFC) is an essential part of your communication with your patient about any potential out-out-pocket expenses. It is important a patient is never surprised when they receive a bill. 

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Articles on Informed Financial Consent

Whether you’re consulting in private rooms, performing procedures, or providing anaesthesia as part of a surgical team, your patients rely on transparent information to understand what their care will cost. Breakdowns in IFC rarely stem from the fee itself - they often arise from assumptions, gaps in communication, or unclear expectations across the care pathway. Each tailored article explores how IFC applies in your context and offers practical, actionable guidance to help you strengthen communication, reduce the risk of complaints and provide a more predictable experience for your patients.

Informed financial consent: why it matters in private practice

Most financial disputes stem from avoidable communication gaps. Learn practical strategies to improve your IFC process - from appointment booking to complex procedures - and protect you and your practice from unexpected complaints or claims. This article outlines simple ways to strengthen clear, consistent IFC across your everyday workflow. 

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Informed financial consent: why it matters for surgery and minor procedures

Procedures often involve multiple providers, variable fees and potential out‑of‑pocket costs that patients may not anticipate. Clear, early IFC helps patients understand the full financial picture preventing ‘bill shock’ complaints. This article outlines practical ways to embed consistent, transparent IFC into your pre‑procedure workflow to protect your patients, your practice and your medico‑legal risk.

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Informed financial consent: why it matters for anaesthetists

Patients frequently assume that anaesthesia fees are included in their surgeon’s quote - creating a high risk of confusion and complaints when separate bills arrive. Clear, early IFC ensures patients understand your role, the likely costs, and how their private health cover applies. This article explains how to embed simple, consistent IFC processes including when covering a colleague’s list.

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Case studies on Informed Financial Consent

Real cases provide powerful insights into the everyday challenges doctors face. These case studies show how gaps in communication, documentation or financial consent can escalate into complaints or disciplinary action - and what steps can be taken to avoid similar outcomes. Use these examples to build safer systems, clearer processes and greater confidence in your medico‑legal decision‑making.

Doctor found guilty of unprofessional conduct for overservicing and not gaining financial consent

This real case highlights the serious risks when informed financial consent and proper clinical justification are not in place. The tribunal found a doctor had overserviced a vulnerable patient, failed to gain financial consent from a substitute decision-maker and kept inadequate records. This case study outlines what went wrong - and the key lessons clinicians can apply to avoid similar medico‑legal consequences.

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Prior agreement required to charge more than Medicare fee

In this case, an anaesthetist’s attempt to recover a gap payment was dismissed after the court implied the Medicare schedule fee as the ‘reasonable’ charge in the absence of prior financial consent. The case highlights how easily misunderstanding arise when fees are not discussed – and the importance of informing patients early when higher charges apply.

Read here

We want to hear from you

If you have any feedback, questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Your insights help us improve and better support your learning and professional needs. 

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External resources

Medical Cost Finder

AMA Guide to Informed Financial Consent 2024

Informed Financial Consent

PDF: Discussing feeds with your patients


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