What are my rights as a patient?
You have the right to get a second opinion (or even third or fourth). And there are many good reasons why you should. • Peace of mind can be the most important reason. Different doctors interpret things differently and communicate them to their patients differently as well. Even if you are absolutely comfortable with your physician, it cannot hurt to gain additional reassurances that all of your options have been explored. And if you feel your physician is making light of your case, seek another opinion elsewhere to either confirm your suspicions or put your mind at ease. • Some insurance plans will require a second opinion before a major treatment plan is authorized. Be sure to check with your plan so there are no unexpected delays in payment processing later. • Sometimes your initial diagnosis leaves little hope for recovery. In this case, another opinion cannot hurt and could perhaps change things for the better. Doctors specialize in different areas, but even if you are seeing a sp
People with cancer and their families are still the people they have always been, with the same right to be treated with respect. Sometimes, in the bustle of treatment and care, these rights can be forgotten or pushed aside. Remember that you should be granted the following rights, and if you are not, then politely speak up!
As a patient of a Medicare-approved home health agency, you have several rights and the home health agency must provide you with a written copy of them. They include the following: • The right to choose your home health agency, although for members of managed care plans, the choices will depend upon which home health agencies your plan works with.
We believe patients have the right to: • Access to care regardless of race, creed, sex, national origin, religion, disability, or the source of payment for care • Respect and dignity • Privacy and confidentiality during interviews, examinations, communications and consultations • Easy access to medical records and health information • Continuity of care • Know the identity of all those involved with his/her care and treatment • Consent to care and treatment • Transfer care • Personal safety
