Patient Information

RIGHTS OF THE PATIENT:

• A patient has the right to respectful care given by competent personnel.
• A patient has the right, upon request, to be given the name of his attending practitioner, the names of all other practitioners directly participating in his care and the names and functions of other health care persons having direct contact with the patient.
• A patient has the right to consideration of privacy concerning his own medical care program. Case discussion, consultation, examination, and treatment are considered confidential and shall be conducted discreetly.
• A patient has the right to have records pertaining to his medical care treated as confidential except as otherwise provided by law or third-party contractual arrangements.
• A patient has the right to know what ASF rules and regulations apply to his conduct as a patient.
• The patient has the right to expect emergency procedures to be implemented without unnecessary delay.
• The patient has the right to good quality care and high professional standards that are continually maintained and reviewed.
• The patient has the right to full information in layman’s terms, concerning diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, including information about alternative treatments and possible complications. When it is not medically advisable to give the information to the patient, the information shall be given on his behalf to the responsible person.
• Except for emergencies, the practitioner shall obtain the necessary informed consent prior to the start of a procedure. Informed consent is defined in Section 103 of the Health Care Services Malpractice Act (40 P. S. § 1301.103).
• A patient or, if the patient is unable to give informed consent, a responsible person, has the right to be advised when a practitioner is considering the patient as a part of a medical care research program or donor program, and the patient, or responsible person, shall give informed consent prior to actual participation in the program.
• A patient, or responsible person, may refuse to continue in a program to which he has previously given informed consent.
• A patient has the right to refuse drugs or procedures, to the extent permitted by statute, and a practitioner shall inform the patient of the medical consequences of the patient’s refusal of drugs or procedures.
• A patient has the right to medical and nursing services without discrimination based upon age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, disability, or source of payment.
• The patient who does not speak English shall have access, where possible, to an interpreter.
• The ASC shall provide the patient, or patient designee, upon request, access to the information contained in his medical records, unless access is specifically restricted by the attending practitioner for medical reasons.
• The patient has the right to expect good management techniques to be implemented within the ASF. These techniques shall make effective use of the time of the patient and avoid the personal discomfort of the patient.
• When an emergency occurs and a patient is transferred to another facility, the responsible person shall be notified. The institution to which the patient is to be transferred shall be notified prior to the patient’s transfer.
• The patient has the right to examine and receive a detailed explanation of his bill.
• A patient has the right to expect that the ASF will provide information for continuing health care requirements following discharge and the means for meeting them.
• A patient has the right to be informed of his rights at the time of admission.
• Every patient has the right to courtesy, respect, dignity, personal privacy, and responsiveness to his/her needs. These rights are regardless of age, race, sex, nationality, religion, cultural or physical handicap, and personal value and beliefs.
• Every patient has the right to receive information in a manner he/she understands.
• Every patient has the right to every consideration of his privacy and individuality as it relates to his social, religious, and psychological well-being.
• Every patient has the right to confidentiality.
• Every patient has the right to approve or refuse the release of medical information to any individual outside the facility, except in the case of transfer to another health facility, or as required by law or third-party payment contract.
• Every patient has the right to receive care in a safe setting.
• Every patient has the right to have access, request an amendment to and obtain information on disclosures of his or her health information in accordance with law and regulation.
• Every patient has the right to involve their family in care, treatment, services, and decisions to the extent permitted by the patient or surrogate decision-maker, in accordance with law and regulation.
• Every patient has the right to express grievances or complaints without fear of reprisals and expect they will be fully investigated.
• Every patient is provided complete information regarding diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, alternative treatments or procedures and the possible risks, expected outcomes, and side effects associated with treatment before it is performed. In accordance, the patient has the right to give or withhold informed consent.
• Every patient has the right to make decisions regarding health care that is recommended by the physician.
• Accordingly, the patient may accept or refuse any recommended medical treatment.
• Every patient has the right to be informed of any research or experimental projects and to refuse participation without compromise to the patient’s usual care. Every patient has the right to appropriate treatment and care including assessment and management of pain.
• Every patient has the right to understand facility charges. Every patient has the right to an explanation of all facility charges related to his/her health care and to be informed of services that are available and the charges for services not covered by third-party payors.
• Every patient has the right to be free from all forms of abuse or harassment. Every patient has the right to give or withhold informed consent to produce or use recordings, films, or other images of the patient for purposes other than his/her care.
• Every patient has the right to make Advance Directives or to execute Powers of Attorney.
• Surgery Center at Westpark Policy on Advanced Directives is made available to all patients.