PATIENT 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 donÆt 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 Service

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 Decision

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

Rhonda~n~MS

My Home Page: Living with Chronic Pain:

http://www.geocities.com/rballard53/chronic_pain.html