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Medical care is a cooperative undertaking between patients and health care providers. You, as a patient, and the Taams Clinic staff have specific rights and responsibilities in relationship to each other. - The right to participate in decisions about your health care and to understand what you are being told about your care and treatment. For example, you are entitled to a clear explanation of tests, treatments and drugs prescribed for you. Don't hesitate to ask questions of your doctor, nurse or hospital staff members. You have a right to know what's going on. If you have a problem or if you don't understand something, speak to your nurse, doctor, or the clinic manager.
They can:
- help you get answers
- arrange special help
- make contacts with your family
- generally make your hospital stay easier but you must speak up and ask questions.
- The right to humane care and treatment. You will be treated with respect, consideration and dignity. You can expect that your personal convictions and beliefs of the provider will not adversely affect your right to rational and appropriate care.
- The right to accurate information, to the extent known, concerning diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of an illness or health-related condition. This includes the right to accurate written information about drug products or drug treatment for an illness. It will include appropriate alternatives to health service care.
- The right to be treated only with your consent. No care will be provided to you without your consent.
- The right to be informed of any research aspect of your care and to refuse to participate. Such refusal will not jeopardize your access to medical care and treatment.
- The right to a second opinion regarding diagnosis or treatment. This includes seeking consultation with other providers.
- The right to know who is counseling, caring for, or treating you. The practitioner’s name and professional qualifications should be visible or stated on introduction.
- The right to information regarding the scope and availability of services, including information on after hours and emergency room care in case you encounter problems in relation to your treatment.
- The right to information regarding fees for service and payment plans. Particularly notification as to what services may involve additional charges. If outside resources are needed, there will usually be a charge.
- The right to confidentiality of your records. You have a right to not have your condition discussed in anyplace where it might be overheard by others.
Second opinion The goal of a second opinion is not to prove or disprove your doctor's recommendation. It is simply a way of exploring options. If you are having difficulties choosing the best treatment for you: - Get an independent opinion.
- Ask your primary care doctor rather than your specialist to recommend who to see for a second opinion.
- Find a doctor from a different group practice, if possible.
- Consider seeing a different type of doctor who can treat the problem you have.
- Avoid paying for the same test twice. Have lab results and X-rays sent to the second doctor before your visit or ask for your own copies to take with you.
 If the doctors' opinions are different:
- Consider using your primary care doctor to help you sort through your options.
- Decide which doctor you want to work with, and what your preferences are for treatment.
- Prepare a list of questions before going back to the doctor you have chosen.
Questions to ask about your surgery About the surgery - What is the exact name of the surgery and how is it done? Write down the name if you don't think you will remember it.
- Why do you need the surgery?
- Will you be able to go home the same day of the surgery (outpatient surgery)? If so, will you need to have someone take you home after the surgery?
- Does the surgery require an overnight stay in the hospital (inpatient surgery)? If so, how long will you be in the hospital?
- What will you need to do to prepare for the surgery?
- What are the risks and benefits?
- How often is this surgery successful? What does a successful outcome mean?
- What can you do to improve the likelihood of success (such as changing your diet or beginning certain exercises)?
- What is the risk of death or disability?
- What is the next step if the surgery fails?
- What is the likelihood that your problem will return after surgery?
- What kind of anesthesia will be used (local, regional, or general)?
- How long will the procedure take?
- What is the cost of the surgery? Is it likely to be covered by medical insurance?
About your choices - Consider your preferences for treatment. If you are not sure what treatment is best for you, get a second opinion.
- Have you considered all your options? Are there any nonsurgical options to consider?
- How critical is the timing of the surgery? Is there any flexibility in when it is scheduled? Be prepared to discuss your scheduling preferences.
About your surgeon - What is the surgeon's experience with this procedure? How many procedures has he or she done per year? What is his or her success rate?
- Does the surgeon have board certification in this area?
- Will another doctor be assisting your surgeon?
- Will the surgeon be using a new instrument or piece of equipment during the procedure? Has the surgeon been fully trained in the use of the instrument or equipment?
- Who will be giving the anesthesia? Discuss the anesthesia options with your surgeon ahead of time.
- Will anyone be in the operating room other than the doctors and nurses needed to perform the surgery (such as a person involved in training the surgeon on a new piece of equipment)?
About your recovery - What should you expect during the recovery period? What is normal?
- What kinds of self-care could you be doing to help your recovery?
- Will your activities be limited during the recovery period? If so, which activities and for how long?
- What help might you need while you recover?
- What symptoms should you call your doctor about?
Partnering with your doctor - Tell your doctor your preferences for treatment. Are there other options you would like to consider other than surgery?
- Discuss your biggest concerns about the surgery.
- Tell your doctor the results you expect to get from the surgery. What outcome would you consider to be a success? What would you consider a failure?
Patient Responsibilities: - Provision of information. Patient and family are responsible for providing the most accurate and complete information they can about present complaints, previous illnesses, hospitalizations, medications and all treatments and interventions that you are involved in.
- Patients have the responsibility to report unexpected changes in his/her condition to the responsible practitioner and unexpected difficulties you have involving your health care. After discharge it remains your responsibility to communicate with your health care provider if your condition worsens or does not follow the expected course.
- Compliance with instructions. Help your doctors, nurses and other medical providers in their efforts to return you to health by following their instructions and medical advice and ask questions of your doctor or nurse if you do not understand any directions or medical procedures.
- Understanding instructions. A patient is responsible for making it known whether he/she clearly comprehends a contemplated course of action and what is expected of him..
- Refusal of Treatment. Be responsible for your actions if you refuse treatment or care, or if you do not follow your practitioner's instructions. If your refusal of treatment prevents us from providing care according to ethical and professional standards, we may need to end our relationship with you after giving you reasonable notice.
- Hospital Rules and Regulations. Understand your visitors must comply with policies and procedures designated to protect the health and safety of others, and to facilitate the safe and efficient operation of the facility. Be considerate of other patients and personnel; assist in the control of noise and comply with rules regarding smoking and visiting guidelines. Be respectful of the property of other persons and the property of the facility.
- Understand that the facility is not responsible for your personal property nor for your valuables unless they are locked in the facility safe.
- The patient is responsible for keeping appointments,however should he be unable to do so for any reason, to notify the responsible practitioner or the hospital as soon as possible, so that the appointment time may be given to someone else.
- Provide all information necessary for billing and insurance processing.
- Recognize that you, as the patient, are responsible for your hospital bill and any additional charges owed to other care providers for their professional services. If your insurance covers all your charges, it is your responsibility to issue a valid referral letter from your doctor, as well as proof of insurance and a photo I.D.
- Advise your doctor, charge nurse, or Clinic Manager of any dissatisfaction you may have with your care or service.
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