A Patient Bill of Rightsby Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger 28 Mar 2006 01:47 PM In 1998, the US Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in the Health Care Industry adopted the following bill of rights. You can read the full report here or just get the highlights below. Sometimes we feel helpless or confused at the doctor's office... this Bill of Rights can help give you the confidence you need to ask the questions that need asking, and fight for better health care for yourself and your family.
- Information Disclosure
You have the right to accurate and easily understood information about your health plan, health care professionals, and care facilities. If you and your health care provider do not speak the same language, you have the right to provide a translator.
- Choice of Providers and Plans
You have the right to choose a provider that will give you appropriate, high-quality health care.
- Access to Emergency Services
If you have a sudden pain, injury, or illness, you have the right to receive emergency services for screening and stabilization whenever and wherever needed.
- Participation in Treatment Decisions
You have the right to know all the treatment options and to participate in decisions about your care. Designated family members or guardians can represent you if you cannot make your own decisions.
- Respect and Nondiscrimination
You have the right to considerate, respectful treatment from your doctors and health care providers. You also have the right to considerate, respectful treatment from your health plan representatives.
- Confidentiality of Health Information
You have the right to have your health care information protected, and to talk in complete confidence with your health care providers. You also have the right to review your own medical record and request that any inaccurate or incomplete information be changed.
- Complaints and Appeals
You have the right to a fair and objective review of any complaint you may have against your health plan, doctors, health care facilities, or health care personnel. This can include complaints about wait times, operating hours, the activities of health care personnel, or the adequacy of health care facilities.
choosing a doctor, health care, medical treatment, medical care, patient bill of rights
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