Consumer Rights
One of the most important things a consumer can do is to be informed. When you select your doctor or your specialist, or settle on a plan of treatment, knowledge can help protect you and your health. Without medical knowledge, patients may be intimidated by doctors, nurses, insurance companies, and other professionals, thus failing to speak up for themselves and their own concerns. These are the issues that have led Congress to pass the Patient’s Bill of Rights.
As a patient in the health care system, you have certain rights. Although not legally binding, these rights have been developed to ensure that patients and their families know what alternatives they have, and how they can proceed. These rights are posted in hospitals throughout the country to remind and inform patients and family of the what they can expect of health care professionals. If you or a loved one are admitted to a hospital, clinic, or doctor's office for treatment, you should take the time to read about your rights in order to provide you with information about how to proceed.
THE PATIENT’S BILL OF RIGHTS
Information Disclosure
You have the right to accurate and easily understood information about your health plan, health care professionals, and health care facilities. If you speak another language, have a physical or mental disability, or just 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 whenever and wherever needed, without prior authorization or financial penalty.
Participation in Treatment Decisions
You have the right to know your treatment options and to participate in decisions about your care. Parents, guardians, family members, or other individuals that you designate can represent you if you cannot make your own decisions.
Respect and Nondiscrimination
You have a right to considerate, respectful and nondiscriminatory care from your doctors, health plan representatives, and other health care providers.
Confidentiality of Health Information
You have the right to talk in confidence with health care providers and to have your health care information protected. You also have the right to review and copy your own medical record and request that your physician change your record if it is not accurate, relevant, or complete.
Complaints and Appeals
You have the right to a fair, fast, and objective review of any complaint you have against your health plan, doctors, hospitals or other health care personnel. This includes complaints about waiting times, operating hours, the conduct of health care personnel, and the adequacy of health care facilities.
adopted by the US Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in the Health Care Industry in 1998.
