Do you know that you have rights as
a patient? It is not only ok, but imperative that you ask
questions when you or a loved one are seeking medical care. The
medical community can sometimes feel intimidating and I am here
to help you navigate through the medical maze. Where ever you go,
whether it is a clinic, hospital, or urgent care or having
surgery you need to know you are an important apart of the team of people
treating you. You know yourself the best. One of the first
things that will be helpful is to create a list of questions to
ask the medical personnel. This way you are prepared when you
arrive for your appointment. Next, it is important to know there
are no dumb questions.
Suggested Questions from the Department
of Health and Human Services.
How is the
test done?
Will the
test hurt?
How
accurate is the test?
Is this
test the only way to find out that information?
What are
the benefits and risks of having this test?
What do I
need to do to prepare for the test?
How many
times have you performed the test?
When will
I get the results?
What will
the results tell me?
What's the
next step after the test?
Medical Errors
Statistics
have shown, medical errors have caused unnecessary
injuries and deaths. The best way to decrease the chances of
this happening to you, is to stay informed and ask questions.
The relationship between you and the medical community should
be one that is open, honest and informative. The power of
knowledge is invaluable for increasing your level of
confidence to stand up for your rights as a patient.
If
you ever feel uncomfortable with the recommendations from the
medical community, trust your instinct and know you have a
choice to get a second opinion. It is your right.
Patient
Bill Of Rights
A Patient's Bill of Rights is
a statement of the rights to which patients are entitled as
recipients of medical care. Typically, a statement articulates
the positive rights which doctors and hospitals ought to provide
patients, thereby providing information, offering fair
treatment, and granting them autonomy over medical decisions.
Patient Bill
Of Rights Source
From Wikipedia
Information Disclosure.Consumers have the right to receive accurate, easily
understood information and some require assistance in
making informed health care decisions about their health
plans, professionals, and facilities.
Choice of Providers and
Plans.Consumers have the right to a choice of
health care providers that is sufficient to ensure access
to appropriate high-quality health care.
Access to Emergency
Services.Consumers have the right to access
emergency health care services when and where the need
arises. Health plans should provide payment when a
consumer presents to an emergency department with acute
symptoms of sufficient severity -- including severe pain
-- such that a "prudent layperson" could
reasonably expect the absence of medical attention to
result in placing that consumer's health in serious
jeopardy, serious impairment to bodily functions, or
serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part.
Participation in
Treatment Decisions.Consumers have the right and
responsibility to fully participate in all decisions
related to their health care. Consumers who are unable to
fully participate in treatment decisions have the right to
be represented by parents, guardians, family members, or
other conservators.
Respect and
Nondiscrimination.Consumers have the right to
considerate, respectful care from all members of the
health care system at all times and under all
circumstances. An environment of mutual respect is
essential to maintain a quality health care system.
Confidentiality of Health
Information.Consumers have the right to
communicate with health care providers in confidence and
to have the confidentiality of their individually
identifiable health care information protected. Consumers
also have the right to review and copy their own medical
records and request amendments to their records.
Complaints and Appeals.All consumers have the right to a fair and efficient
process for resolving differences with their health plans,
health care providers, and the institutions that serve
them, including a rigorous system of internal review and
an independent system of external review.
Consumer
Responsibilities.In a health care system that
protects consumers' rights, it is reasonable to expect and
encourage consumers to assume reasonable responsibilities.
Greater individual involvement by consumers in their care
increases the likelihood of achieving the best outcomes
and helps support a quality improvement, cost-conscious
environment.
Learn
more about resources available to you as health
care cost continues to rise.
Easily
keep up with the latest medical rights issues at our Patient
Medical Rights Blog.
