Patient Rights & Responsibilities

Your Rights as a Patient

Detailed Patient Rights

Right to Respectful Treatment

• Receive care that maintains your dignity and respects your personal values
• Be treated courteously by all staff members
• Receive care without discrimination
• Have your cultural and spiritual needs respected

Right to Information and Communication

• Know the names and roles of healthcare providers caring for you
• Receive information about your condition in a language you understand
• Access interpreters or communication aids when needed
• Ask questions about your care and treatment
• Receive honest answers to your questions

Right to Participate in Your Care

• Participate in developing your treatment plan
• Refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law
• Seek a second opinion
• Have family members or representatives involved in your care (when appropriate)

Right to Privacy and Confidentiality

• Have your medical information kept confidential
• Access your medical records
• Request amendments to your medical records
• Know who has access to your information
• Request restrictions on information sharing

Your Responsibilities as a Patient

Providing Information

• Provide complete and accurate medical history
• Inform us of all medications, supplements, and allergies
• Report changes in your condition
• Inform us if you don't understand your treatment plan

Following Treatment Plans

• Take medications as prescribed
• Follow treatment instructions and recommendations
• Keep scheduled appointments or notify us of cancellations
• Participate actively in your care and ask questions when needed

Respectful Conduct

• Treat staff and other patients with courtesy and respect
• Arrive on time for appointments
• Notify us as soon as possible if you cannot keep an appointment
• Follow office policies and procedures

Financial Responsibilities

• Provide accurate insurance information
• Pay co-pays, deductibles, and other charges as required
• Notify us of insurance changes
• Ask about financial assistance if needed

Advance Directives

You have the right to create advance directives, including:

• Living Will: Your wishes for medical treatment if you cannot communicate
• Healthcare Power of Attorney: Designation of someone to make healthcare decisions for you
• DNR Orders: Do Not Resuscitate instructions if applicable

We respect your advance directives and will honor them to the full extent permitted by law.

Grievances and Complaints

If you have concerns about your care or treatment, we encourage you to:

1. Speak directly with your healthcare provider
2. Contact our office manager if the issue is not resolved
3. Submit a written complaint to our practice administrator
4. Contact external agencies if necessary (state medical board, patient advocacy groups)

Billing and Financial Information

You have the right to:

• Receive clear, itemized bills for services provided
• Understand your insurance benefits and coverage
• Request explanation of charges

Quality Improvement

We are committed to continuous improvement in healthcare quality. You have the right to:

• Provide feedback about your care experience
• Participate in patient satisfaction surveys
• Suggest improvements to our services
• Know about our quality improvement initiatives

This Patient Rights and Responsibilities document is in accordance with federal and state regulations, including the Patient Care Partnership standards established by the American Hospital Association and applicable North Carolina healthcare laws.

Effective Date: September 23, 2025
Last Reviewed: October 9, 2025