PATIENT RIGHTS
The following list of patient rights is not intended to be all-inclusive. Patients receiving care at our Center have the right to:
- Be treated with respect, consideration and dignity.
- Exercise these rights and be treated without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, handicap, disability or source of payment, and without fear of discrimination or reprisal.
- Be treated in a safe environment that is free of physical or psychological threats.
- Expect that any architectural barriers identified will be addressed, and, whenever feasible, such barriers will be modified or corrected.
- Be provided appropriate privacy and confidentiality concerning their medical care – the patient has the right to be advised as to the reason for the presence of any individual directly involved or observing their care.
- Be free of restraint except when indicated to protect the patient or others from injury.
- Have their questions, concerns or complaints addressed in good faith.
- Expect continuity of care. The patient will not be discharged or transferred to another facility without prior notice, except in the case of a medical emergency and within the limits of legal regulations.
- Provisions for after-hour and emergency care.
- Obtain any information they need to give informed consent before any treatment or procedure.
- Be provided, to the degree known, complete and timely information concerning their diagnosis, evaluation, treatment and prognosis. When it is medically inadvisable to give such information to a patient, the information is provided to a person designated by the patient or to a legally authorized person.
- Make choices and decisions regarding their medical care to the extent permitted by law-this includes the right to refuse treatment.
- Formulate advance directives and appoint a surrogate to make health care decisions on their behalf to the extent permitted by law. The provision of the patient’s care shall not be conditioned on the position of an advance directive. Please see the center’s policy on advanced directives below.
- Have their disclosures and records treated confidentially, and given the opportunity to approve or refuse their release, except when release is required by law.
- Receive, on request, and at a reasonable fee, a copy of their medical record.
- Know the services available at the organization.
- Know the facility fees for services.
- Request an itemized statement of all services provided through the center, along with the right to to be informed of the payment methodology utilized.
- At their own expense, to consult with another physician or specialist if other qualified physicians are requested and available. Be informed of patient conduct and responsibilities ruled.
- Refuse to participate in experimental research.
- Know the identity, professional status, institutional affiliation and credentials of health care professionals providing their care, and be assured these individuals have been appropriately credentialed according to the policies of the center.
- Be informed of their right to change their provider if other qualified providers are available.
- Upon request, be provided with the information on the center’s malpractice insurance. All physicians practicing at the center are required to have medical malpractice insurance.
- Be informed about procedures for expressing suggestions, complaints and grievances, including those required by state and federal regulations.
PATIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
The care a patient receives depends partially on the patient. Therefore, in addition to these rights, a patient has certain responsibilities that are presented to the patient in the spirit of mutual trust and respect. Patient responsibilities require the patient to:
- Provide complete and accurate information to the best of his/her ability about his/her health, any medications, including over-the-counter products and dietary supplements and any allergies or sensitivities.
- Make it known whether he/she clearly comprehends the course of his/her medical treatment and what is expected of him/her.
- Follow the treatment plan prescribed by his/her provider.
- Keep appointments and notify the center or the physician when unable to do so provide a responsible adult to transport him/her home from the center and remain with him/her for 24 hours, if required by his/her provider.
- Accept responsibility for his/her actions should he/she refuse treatment or not follow his/her physician orders.
- Accept personal financial responsibility for any charges not covered by his/her insurance.
- Follow our Center’s policies and procedures.
- Be respectful of all the healthcare providers and staff, as well as other patients.
PATIENT GUARDIAN
The patient’s guardian, next of kin, or legally authorized responsible person has the right to exercise the rights delineated on the patient’s behalf, to the extent permitted by law, if the patient:
- Has been adjudicated incompetent in accordance with the law;
- Has a designated legal representative to act on their behalf; or
- Is a minor
PATIENT GRIEVANCES
The patient and the patient’s family are encouraged to help the Center improve its understanding of the patient’s environment by providing feedback., suggestions, comments and/or complaints regarding the service needs and expectations.
A complaint or grievance should be registered by contacting the Center at the address shown below.
The Center will respond in writing with notice of how the grievance has been addressed:
The Skin Cancer Center
Brett M. Coldiron, MD
3024 Burnet Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45219
513-221-2828
Ohio Department of Health
246 North High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
1-800-669-3534
Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
www.medicare.gov (ombudsmanlink is on left hand column)
ADVANCE DIRECTIVES
In accordance with applicable law, this Center must inform you that we are not required to honor and do not honor the patient’s advance healthcare directives, including a DNR request. A healthcare power of attorney will be honored.
If a patient provides his/her advance directive, a copy will be placed on the patient’s medical record and transferred with the patient should a hospital transition be ordered by his/her physician.
At all times the patient or his/her representative will be able to obtain any information they need to give informed consent before any treatment or procedure.
In order to assure that the community is served by this Center, information concerning advance directives is available at the Center. While the State of Ohio does not require a specific form for an advance directive, sample forms are available at the Center. For our patients who are residents of Kentucky or Indiana, we also have information under those states’ laws. To obtain this form and information, please ask our receptionist.
PATIENT RIGHTS NOTIFICATION
Each patient at the Center will be notified of his/her rights in the following manner:
- A written notice provided in advance of the day of their surgery in a language and manner the patient understands
- A verbal notice provided in advance of the day of their surgery in a language and manner the patient understands
- A posted notice visible by patients and families waiting for treatment