The process by which you learn what medical procedure,
test or treatment involves, before you grant permission
for
it, is called Informed Consent. The informed consent
process
begins in your doctor's office. It is important that
you
understand the information.
Do Not Be Afraid To Ask Questions. As partners in
your
medical care, BOTH YOU AND YOUR DOCTOR have
rights and responsibilities.
YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO:
- Quality care without discrimination
- Privacy and confidentiality of information concerning
- your medical care.
- Knowledge of the professional status of your doctor
- IS YOUR DOCTOR A BOARD CERTIFIED
- Be told fees prior to beginning treatment. Examine and
- receive an explanation of your bill, regardless of source
- of payment.
- Be advised of your diagnosis, treatment options, and
the
- expected outcome
- Be given the opportunity to be an informed participant
- Request a second opinion without reprisal from your doctor
- Be advised of any experimental research, or educational
- activities involved in your care and the right to refuse
to
- participate in any such project.
- Be given current information concerning your diagnosis,
- treatment options, prognosis or outcome of each treatment
- Refuse treatment
- Receive considerate and respectful care as an individual
- with your own personal belief system.
YOU HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO:
- Provide your doctor with accurate and complete health
- information
- Let your doctor know that you understand the medical
- procedures and what you are expected to do
- Be considerate and respectful of others, both patients
and
- staff.
- If you do not follow your doctor's plan or if you refuse
- treatment, you must accept responsibility for your actions.
YOUR DOCTOR HAS THE RIGHT:
- To stop treating you as long as you have time to find
- another physician (New York State Law states that you
- are entitled to thirty days emergency care and have the
- same thirty days to find another physician, once you
have
- been notified of termination of care by your physician.
- Other states may vary in this time span.)
YOUR DOCTOR HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO:
- Provide you with the best, most up-to-date care available.
- Answer all your questions in language you understand
- Give all the treatment alternatives for your care
- Treat you with respect
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