Patients Bill of Rights

[Guest guest]

Patients' Bill of Rights

I. Information Disclosure

You have the right to receive 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.

II. 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.

III. Access to Emergency Services

If you have sever 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.

IV. Participation in Treatment Decisions

You have the right to know all 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.

V. Respect and Nondiscrimination

You have a right to considerate, respectful and nondiscriminatory

care from your doctors, health plan representatives, and other health

care providers.

VI. 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 amend your record if it is not accurate, relevant, or

complete.

VII. Complaints and Appeals

You have the right to a fair, fast, and objective review of any

compliant 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.

[Guest guest]

Hey I read the bill of rights and this helped me to stand up and complain about

making my husband wait 2 hours for chem therapy becauase a nurse went to lunch

and didn't tell the phamacy to send over the chemo needed. we drive 65 miles to

get to the clinic then waited 2 hours while everyone was passing the buck

blaming someone else for the mistake. well I got mad and I went straight to the

administrator of the clinic as well as the hospital administrator over the

hospital that sponsors the clinic. I never thought it would do much good, I held

my temper and I told them this was inconsiderate and horrible the way they treat

the patients. My husband was ready to give upand go home so I told them that if

he chose to go without treatment it was there fault and I better have some

answers to getting thing straight NOW!!!!!! I tell you my husband has never

been treated so good. He has no idea I called the men in charge he thinks a

miracle has happened, I guess one has called Cathleen. Thanks for giving

me the courage to stand up against bad treatment.

Cathleen in Arkansas