PATIENT RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Patient, you are an active participant in your care. Before accessing any form of healthcare, it’s important to know what you’re entitled to, and equally, what you’re going to be held responsible for.
All medical offices and hospital use approximately the same Patient Bill of Rights, and most holistic and alternative health practitioners offer similar forms as part of their intake process as well.
You are entitled to a copy of these forms at the time of signing your consent to receive services, but they are also always available upon request, and general examples are available online.
Patient Rights:
1. Respectful & considerate care from all staff members.
2. Give informed consent.
3. Ask questions.
4. Refuse medical intervention.
5. Privacy during your appointments.
6. Confidentiality (HIPAA).
7. Access your own medical records.
8. Seek out a second opinion.
9. Know of any conflicts of interest that may affect your care.
10. Be informed of when it is appropriate to coordinate with or transfer to new medical providers.
11. Know the identity of your healthcare providers.
12. Designate someone else to make healthcare decisions or access your records on your behalf.
13. Consent to or decline to participate in research.
14. Be informed of policies & charges.
15. Be informed of any changes being made in your care & why the changes are happening.
16. Be informed of the expected costs of your care ahead of time, as far as they are known.
Patient Responsibilities:
1. Providing accurate & complete information about yourself and your health history.
2. Asking questions to ensure proper understanding of your care.
3. Following instructions and communicating when you won’t be able to follow them.
4. Accepting results and following your treatment plan.
5. Following facility rules and regulations.
6. Showing respect and thoughtfulness to all staff and providers.
7. Showing up on time for your scheduled appointments.
8. Meeting financial commitments.
Should you refuse to meet any of these responsibilities or choose to decline certain treatment, you will need to understand that the medical providers have the right to deny further care.