Patient Rights & Responsibilities

While you are a patient at Dorminy Medical Center, we want you to know what to expect of us and what we expect of you.  You have many rights as a patient.

1. RESPECTFUL CARE:  Everyone on the hospital staff should respect you dignity as a human begin and be courteous and sensitive to your needs.  Treatment must be provided regardless of your race, religion, national origin, sex, age, current or anticipated mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, or your ability to pay.
2. COMPLETE INFORMATION:  You must be given complete, up-to-date information about you condition, treatment and outlook for recovery.  If a patient (such as a child) can’t understand this information, it must be given to a parent or guardian.  You also have the right to know the name of the physician and other health care providers involved in your care.  It is you right to request for discharge planning.  Also, you have the right to choose providers for post hospital care.
3. INFORMED CONSENT:  You must give permission for tests, surgery, and medication.  Before you do this, you physician must tell you, in language you can understand:

·         The intended procedure or treatment

·         Any risks and side effects

·         Possible result(s) of treatment

·         Alternative treatments and possible side effects

·         Consequences of no treatment

·         How long recovery should take

4. REFUSE TREATMENT:  If you are legally competent, you may choose not to be treated.  In this case, your physician must tell you the consequences.
5. CONFIDENTIALITY:  All communications and medical records (messages between you and your physician, hospital charts, test results, and x-rays) must be kept private.  You have the right to privacy in regard to your room number being communicated to visitors or callers.
6. INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR BILL:  You have a right to receive a copy of your bill and to know the charges for each service you receive; which charges are billed separately; and what you insurance company has been charged and has paid.

  The care you receive while a patient at Dorminy Medical Center depends partially on you.  In order to fulfill your responsibilities, you should:

• ASK QUESTIONS.  A physician or nurse may not know when you are confused, uncertain, or just want more information.  Ask questions you have – the staff will be pleased to answer them.
• EXPRESS CONCERNS OR COMPLAINTS.  Let us know when you are dissatisfied.  You may notify the nursing staff, nursing supervisor, public relations, or administration.  Presentation of a complaint will not compromise your future access to care.
• GIVE FULL INFORMATION.  Tell the physician everything you can about your condition, including all symptoms, medication you are taking, and previous ailments.
• FOLLOW YOUR PHYSICIAN’S INSTRUCTIONS.  Take all medication as prescribed.  Listen carefully to instructions about diet and exercise.  Tell your physician if you are having trouble following instructions.
• REPORT ANY CHANGES.  Let the physician know immediately about changes in symptoms, medication or general condition.
• PAY BILL PROMPTLY.  Late payments increase overall hospital charges.  Help keep hospital costs down by always paying on time.

We want you to receive the best possible healthcare while a patient at Dorminy Medical Center.  By working together, we can achieve this goal.