Patient Rights and Responsibilities

At Dr. Randall Mercier M.D., we are committed to providing quality healthcare while respecting your rights and dignity.

Your Rights as a Patient

1. Right to Respectful Care

You have the right to:

  • Be treated with respect, dignity, and consideration
  • Receive care in a safe environment
  • Have your cultural, personal, and spiritual values respected
  • Be free from discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, or source of payment

2. Right to Information

You have the right to:

  • Receive complete and current information about your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in terms you can understand
  • Know the name and professional status of healthcare providers caring for you
  • Receive information about treatment alternatives and risks
  • Ask questions and receive answers about your care

3. Right to Privacy and Confidentiality

You have the right to:

  • Have your medical information kept confidential
  • Privacy during examinations, treatments, and consultations
  • Receive information about our privacy practices (see HIPAA Notice)
  • Request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your information

4. Right to Make Decisions

You have the right to:

  • Participate in decisions about your care
  • Accept or refuse treatment (within legal limits)
  • Prepare an advance directive
  • Have your advance directive followed as allowed by law
  • Designate a healthcare decision-maker

5. Right to Access Medical Records

You have the right to:

  • Request and receive a copy of your medical records
  • Request amendments to your records
  • Receive an accounting of certain disclosures of your information

6. Right to Communication

You have the right to:

  • Have a family member or representative notified of your care
  • Have an interpreter if you have limited English proficiency
  • Accessible communication aids if you have sensory or communication disabilities

7. Right to File Complaints

You have the right to:

  • Voice complaints or concerns about your care
  • Have your complaints reviewed and resolved
  • Not be subjected to retaliation for filing a complaint

Your Responsibilities as a Patient

1. Provide Information

  • Give accurate and complete information about your health, medications, and medical history
  • Inform us of changes in your condition or concerns about your treatment
  • Let us know if you don't understand your diagnosis or treatment plan

2. Follow Treatment Plans

  • Participate actively in your care
  • Follow the treatment plan agreed upon with your healthcare provider
  • Inform your provider if you're unable to follow the treatment plan

3. Respect Others

  • Treat all healthcare staff and other patients with respect
  • Be considerate of noise, privacy, and property rights of others
  • Follow our office policies and safety regulations

4. Financial Responsibilities

  • Provide accurate insurance and billing information
  • Ask questions if you don't understand charges or billing
  • Meet your financial obligations in a timely manner
  • Inform us of changes to insurance coverage

5. Keep Appointments

  • Arrive on time for scheduled appointments
  • Provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule
  • Understand that late cancellations may result in fees (see Cancellation Policy)

6. Ask Questions

  • Ask questions if you don't understand something
  • Speak up about your concerns or preferences
  • Let us know how we can better meet your needs

Filing a Complaint

If you have concerns about your care or believe your rights have been violated, please:

  1. Speak with us directly: Contact our office at 910-692-0873
  2. File a formal complaint: Submit a written complaint to our office manager

You may also file a complaint with:

North Carolina Medical Board 1203 Front Street Raleigh, NC 27609 Phone: (919) 326-1109 Website: www.ncmedboard.org

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights Complaint Portal: www.hhs.gov/ocr/complaints

Questions

If you have questions about your rights and responsibilities, please ask any member of our healthcare team or contact our office at 910-692-0873.

This document is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal or medical advice.