Of course, how much information is adequate, what constitutes reasonableness, and which circumstances are coercive and which are merely persuasive are subject to interpretation. I think informed consent to ordinary outpatient treatment should include its costs. Here are five reasons. These are the patient's own costs, not those of his employer or health plan, except that the patient never sees them. It provides objective information.
Outcomes research focuses on quantifying points that are important to both patient and physician.
Surely cost is one of those points. It creates familiar ground for discussion. Adults are accustomed to weighing the benefits and burdens of spending money to obtain valuable services and goods. It enables patient autonomy. People increasingly make choices about whom to see and where to go for health care.