patient's rights & responsibilties
The following was adopted by the U.S. Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in the Health Care Industry in 1998. Most health plans have adopted these principles. Information disclosure. You have the right to accurate, easily understood information from your health plan, professionals, and facilities. If you don’t understand something, assistance will be provided so you can make informed health care decisions. Choice of providers and plans. You have the right to a choice of health care providers that is sufficient to provide you with access to appropriate high-quality health care. Access to emergency services. If you have severe pain, an injury, or sudden illness that convinces you that your health is in serious jeopardy, you have the right to receive screening and stabilization emergency services when and where needed without prior authorization or financial penalty by your health plan. Participation in treatment decisions. You have the right and responsibility to participate in all decisions about your health care. If you are unable to fully participate in treatment decisions, you have the right to be represented by your parents, guardian, family members, or others you designate. Respect and nondiscrimination. You have the right to considerate, respectful care from your doctors, health plan representatives, and other health care providers. Confidentiality of health care information. You have the right to talk with your health care providers in confidence and to have the confidentiality of your health care information protected. You also have the right to review and copy your own medical records and request that your records be changed if they are not accurate or complete. Complaints and appeals. You have the right to a fair, efficient process for resolving differences with your health plan, health care providers, and health care facilities. Your responsibilities. As a consumer, you also need to assume reasonable responsibilities. Some of these responsibilities include: taking responsibility for health habits such as exercising, not smoking, and eating a healthy diet; being involved in health care decisions; working with your health care team in deciding on a treatment plan and carrying it out; telling your health team about your wants and needs; and making a good-faith effort to meet financial obligations. —http://www.hcqualitycommission.gov/
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Tips for Choosing a DoctorWhen you look for a doctor, look for someone who: • Is a Board Certified doctor. Cancer patients see many doctors, and while certification does not guarantee a good doctor, it does mean that the doctor has had extra training and has passed tough national tests in his or her specialty. For example, the American Society of Clinical Oncologists can tell you which oncologists (cancer specialists) are board-certified in oncology. You can reach the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) by phone at 703-299-0150 or on the Internet at www.asco.org • Is affiliated with an accredited hospital or healthcare center. Accredited care centers have to meet standards that unaccredited institutions do not. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations is a nonprofit group that measures the quality of hospitals and other healthcare centers. You can reach the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) by phone at 630-792-5000 or on the Internet at www.jcaho.org Also look for a doctor who: • Appreciates that you are trusting him/her with your life. • Can communicate information effectively. • Listens to you and treats you with respect. • Is accessible and returns calls. • Loves what she/he does. • Embraces new information, and isn’t threatened by it. • Has a great staff. • Accepts your insurance coverage or will accept a payment plan that works for you. |
