Patient's Rights and Responsibilities

As a patient at the Health and Wellness Center, you have the following:

Rights:

• You have the right to quality health care.
• You have the right to be treated with respect, consideration, and dignity.
• You have the right to be treated in a manner that does not discriminate against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation or veterans status.
• You have the right to request a specific health care provider at the Health and Wellness Center and to change primary or specialty providers if you so desire.
• You have the right to participate in decisions concerning your health care.
• You have the right to accurate information concerning diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of an illness or health-related condition.
• You have the right to a second opinion or referral.
• You have the right to privacy during medical care.
• You have the right to confidentiality of all communications with staff and confidentiality of the medical record, and the right to approve or refuse release of information to the fullest extent provided by law.
• You have the right to refuse recommendations for medical care.
• You have the right to refuse to participate in any research program.
• You have the right to choose the appropriate health care provider and facility that best meets your needs.
• You have the right to provide us with a copy of your Advanced Directive or Living Will.

Responsibilities:

• You have the responsibility to arrive as scheduled for appointments and to notify the Health and Wellness Center in advance in case of canceled appointments.
• You have the responsibility to provide full information about your illness or health problem to assure proper evaluation and treatment.
• You have the responsibility to ask sufficient questions to ensure understanding of your illness or problem, as well as your provider's recommendations for continuing care.
• You have the responsibility to either carry out treatment and education recommendations, or accept responsibility for the outcome.
• You have the responsibility to become informed; through available printed material and/or discussion with staff, about the scope of basic services offered, their cost, and the necessity for additional medical insurance.
• You have the responsibility to communicate with your health care provider if your condition does not follow the expected course.
• You have the responsibility to make payment or arrange for payment of services.
• You have the responsibility to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• You have the right and the responsibility to bring forward suggestions or grievances about the Health and Wellness Center. This includes the right to receive a personal response.
• You have the responsibility to conduct yourself in a respectful manner.