I had initially posted this in another forum but it had gotten no views or responses so I am re-posting it here since it applies to Complex-PTSD and its impact when it comes to getting treated for physical health issues ...

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The consent form for the Rheumatologist (specifically the medical group he's affiliated with) has a lot of stuff I simply don't, won't and can't agree to for various reasons.

Most of this directly relates to me being a long-term trauma survivor of domestic violence, incest and abuse, and having the right to set boundaries and say no to things that can be detrimental to my mental health - which I cannot help still gets triggered due to Complex-PTSD - and once triggered can derail me right badly.

NO! - Students and interns cannot be present nor allowed to perform procedures nor handle (or touch) my body.
NO! - Non-medical personal cannot be present nor allowed to perform procedures nor handle (or touch) my body.
NO! - I will not accept financial responsibility for providers or treatments that are not on my insurance plan or in-network.

Those are just a few ...

Have y'all ever stricken out parts you don't agree with on a medical consent form, and if so, did it impact your ability to get the treatment you needed?

Thanks,
Pfrog!

[TrailRunner14]

Yes to all the “NO”s that you listed.

You have every right to say “no” and be heard and respected for it.

[Raindropvampire]

I have never stricken anything out but I have told my doc that X is a no like her sending in a male doc or PA. So far she's always respected my boundaries. I did explain my reasons for why I had those boundaries. So far I've been lucky and she's been my doc for about 30 years. I will be very very sad when she retires.

[Kathleen83]

Yes, I've stricken out items I don't agree with / will not comply with. It's almost never been a problem for me. On a rare occasion, I've had someone try to argue with me - as in "well this is a teaching hospital, and so we have students who..." They never win that argument. At still another place, my doc asked, beforehand, if I would permit an intern in....and she asked without the intern being present. I was given the choice - as it should always be. I can't recall any place / doc ever refusing to treat me, for not totally agreeing with everything on their forms.

Off point but what non-medical person would be present during a medical exam?
I think of it as what would be better for them!!!!!! Would doc rather my nos or deal with a patient having a panic attack!!
Take care of yourself.

Thank you all for your responses and input! ... It is much appreciated and most helpful.

And, your question is not off point, @cavaliers ...

Sometimes doctors and hospitals will bring in outside representatives and consultants from various companies during certain procedures involving their products (ie. hip replacement parts and/or medications) and ask for their input and assistance while installing or applying these products.

I am not okay with some random joe-schmoe looking at, much less touching, my body!

It would be bad enough if they attempted to do this while I'm awake during the procedure, but I would feel twice violated if under anesthesia when it happened.

This is why I want it made LOUD & CLEAR to my doctor before hand that NO this is NOT okay with me!

And, of course, this also applies to NOT accepting financial responsibility for people, products and services that are not "in-network" because most insurance plans do not cover the cost of these services, and then the doctors and hospitals try to foist the bill for it off on the patient.

NOPE! ... NOT Acceptable!

Thanks for pointing that out. Never had that happen during an office visit. Sure during last surgery....back fusion with new technology...someone was present. Not *in network* is financially important. Had to deal with that. Was referred by in network & they neglected to tell me he was out of network. Take care.