Given the vulnerable state of some patients who seek regenerative and stem cell therapies perhaps without the requisite knowledge for making informed decision, there is increased potential for patient exploitation. Physicians must therefore be mindful of the ways in which at risk or susceptible patients may process information and arrive at decisions about their treatment options, expectations, and ultimately, the potential for success. A promising way of navigating such difficult circumstances, where treatment options are uncertain or complex, is through the use of shared decision making. This process, whereby the physician describes the risks and benefits of potential treatment options and the patients is given an opportunity to express preferences and values before collaboratively arriving at and evaluating treatment decisions, may help mitigate the risk of patient exploitation and ensure that consent to any treatment option has been provided in an informed manner.