Minimum Expectations for Health Care Providers
In 1998 the U. S. Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in Health Care Industry adopted a Bill of Rights which now applies to insurance plans offered to federal employees. Government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid adhere to many of these rights, as do many other health plans and facilities. The following is a summary of patient rights:
Information Disclosure: You have the right to 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, help should be provided so you can make informed health care decisions.
Choice of Providers and Plans: You have the right to a choice of health care providers who can give you high-quality health care when you need it.
Access to Emergency Services: If you have severe pain, an injury, or sudden illness that makes you believe your health is in serious danger, you have the right to be screened and stabilized using emergency services. These services should be provided whenever and wherever you need them, without the need to wait for authorization and without any financial penalty.
Participation in Treatment Decisions: You have the right to know your treatment options and to take part in decisions about your care. Parents, guardians, family members, or others that you select can represent you if you cannot make your own decisions.
Respect and Non-discrimination: You have a right to considerate, respectful care from your doctors, health plan representatives, and other health care providers that does not discriminate against you.
Confidentiality of Health Information: You have the right to talk privately with health care providers and to have your health care information protected. You also have the right to read and copy your own medical record. You have the right to ask that your doctor change your record if it is not accurate, relevant, or complete.
Complaints and Appeals: You have the right to a fair, fast, and objective review of any complaint you have against your health plan, doctors, hospitals or other health care personnel. This includes complaints about waiting times, operating hours, the actions of health care personnel, and the adequacy of health care facilities.
In addition to this bill of rights that is focused on hospitals and insurance plans, there are many other versions. There are special kinds, like the mental health bill of rights, hospice patient's bill of rights, and bills of rights for patients in certain states. Insurance plans sometimes have lists of rights for subscribers. Many of these documents tell you where to go or whom to talk with if you have a problem with your care. The American Hospital Association has a list of rights along with patient responsibilities that can help a person be a more active partner in his or her health care.
Check the following web-sites for additional information:
Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection
and Quality in the Health Care Industry
Internet Address: www.consumer.gov
American Hospital Association
The Patient Care Partnership: Understanding
Expectations, Rights and Responsibilities (brochure)
Internet Address: www.ahha.org
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) - HHS
Telephone: 1-800-633-4227; TTY: 866-492-9554
Internet Address: www.cms.hhs.gov
Medline Plus
Internet Address: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/patientrights.html
