Patient Rights

Digestive Care Associates P.C. has adopted the following statement of patient rights.

PATIENT RIGHTS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE RIGHT TO:

• Be informed of his or her rights as a patient prior to the start of the surgical procedure. The patient may appoint a representative to receive this information should he or she so desire.
• Exercise these rights without regard to age, race, sex, national origin, religion, culture, disability, economic status, or source of payment for care.
• Considerate, respectful and dignified care, provided in a safe environment, free from all forms of abuse, neglect, harassment or reprisal.
• Access protective and advocacy services or have these services accessed on the patient’s behalf.
• Appropriate assessment and management of pain.
• Knowledge of the name of the physician who has primary responsibility for coordinating his/her care and the names and professional relationships of other physicians and healthcare providers who will see him/her.
• The patient has a right to change providers if other qualified providers are available.
• Be advised if the physician has a financial interest in the surgery center.
• Be advised as to the absence of malpractice coverage if applicable.
• Receive as much information about any proposed treatment or procedure as he/she may need in order to give informed consent or to refuse the course of treatment. Except in emergencies, this information shall include a description of the procedure or treatment, the medically significant risks involved in the treatment, alternate courses of treatment or non-treatment and the risks involved in each and the name of the person who will carry out the procedure or treatment.
• Participate in the development and implementation of his or her plan of care and actively participate in decisions regarding his/her medical care. To the extent permitted by law, this includes the right to request and/or refuse treatment.
• Be informed of the facility’s policy and state regulations regarding advance directives and be provided advance directive forms if requested by patient.
• Full consideration of privacy concerning his/her medical care. Case discussion, consultation, examination and treatment are confidential and should be conducted discreetly. The patient has the right to be advised as to the reason for the presence of any individual involved in his or her healthcare.
• Confidential treatment of all communications and records pertaining to his/her care and his/her stay at the facility. His/ her written permission will be obtained before his/her medical records can be made available to anyone not directly concerned with his/her care.
• Receive information in a manner that he/she understands.  Communication with the patient will be effective and provided in a manner that facilitates understanding by the patient.  Written information will be appropriate to the age, understanding, and language of the patient.   Communications will be specific to the patient’s vision, speech, hearing, and cognitive status.
• Access information contained in his or her medical record within a reasonable time frame.
• Be advised of contact information for the center, state, or federal agency to whom complaints can be reported, as well as contact information for the Office of the Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman
• If the facility/personal physician proposes to engage in or perform human experimentation, research, clinical trials, or medical education affecting his/her care or treatment. The patient has the right to refuse to participate in such research projects. Refusal to participate or discontinuation of participation will not compromise the patient’s right to access care, treatment or services.
• Full support and respect of all patient rights should the patient choose to participate in research, investigation and/or clinical trials. This includes the patient’s right to a full informed consent process as it relates to the research, investigation and/ or clinical trial. All information provided to subjects will be contained in the medical record or research file, along with the consent form(s).
• Be informed by his/her physician or a delegate of his/her physician of the continuing healthcare requirements following his/her discharge from the facility.
• Examine and receive an explanation of his/her bill regardless of source of payment.
• Have all patient rights apply to the person who may have legal responsibility to make decisions regarding medical care on behalf of the patient.

Patient Responsibilities

IN ADDITION TO PATIENT RIGHTS, A PATIENT ALSO HAS CERTAIN RESPONSIBILITIES. THESE RESPONSIBILITIES ARE PRESENTED TO THE PATIENT IN THE SPIRIT OF MUTUAL TRUST AND RESPECT.

• The patient has the responsibility to provide accurate and complete information concerning his/her present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications (including over the counter products and dietary supplements), allergies and sensitivities, and other matters relating to his/her health.
• The patient and family are responsible for asking questions when they do not understand what they have been told about the patient’s care or what they are expected to do.
• The patient is responsible for following the treatment plan established by his/her physician, including the instructions of nurses and other health professionals as they carry out the physician’s orders.
• The patient is responsible for keeping appointments and for notifying the facility or physician when he/she is unable to do so.
• The patient/family member/patient representative is responsible for disposition of the patient valuables.
• Provide a responsible adult to transport him/her home from the facility and remain with him/her for a period of time designated by his/her physician unless exempted from that requirement by the attending physician.
• In the case of pediatric patients, a parent or guardian is to remain in the facility for the duration of the patient’s stay in the facility. The Center does not see patients under the age of 16 years.
• The patient is responsible for his/her actions should he/she refuse treatment or not follow his/her physician’s orders.
• The patient is responsible for assuring that the financial obligations of his/her care are fulfilled as promptly as possible.
• The patient is responsible to inform the facility whether the patient has a living will, medical power of attorney or other directive that could affect his/her care.
• The patient is responsible for being respectful of all of the health care providers and staff, as well as other patients.