PATIENTS' RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities of users of the health system under stress
- Don’t use it unless we have to
- Be informed (ask questions, research, stay up to date)
- Living a healthy lifestyle, avoiding known health risks, being aware of genetic history, and staying informed about health imperatives – all are critical to staying healthy
- While prevention is a time-tested formula for healthy living, avoiding no-value/low-value diagnostic procedures (to protect against possible frivolous litigation), and seeking duplicate (and even triplicate) opinion – just because we lack confidence in the providers, are equally taxing to the system
- Medication is not always the panacea of our health issues
- Early diagnosis (and intervention) often can lead to better outcomes at lower costs
- Missing a scheduled appointment with a provider costs tax payers, and adversely impacts other patients trying to access the same system
Patients' Bill of Rights
- Right to be fully informed about one’s medical conditions using plain language, advised of treatment options, and involved in treatment decisions without fear of coercion, discrimination or reprisal
- To be treated with dignity, courtesy, respect, compassion and consideration of privacy
- To be cared for in a safe, clean and healthy environment
- Receive support to help navigate the sometimes incomprehensive health system
- Timely access to own medical records, and receiving copies without undue price barrier
- To be informed of the procedure of initiating a complaint, when and if dissatisfied – over and above those available from the office of Patient Ombudsman or respective Association of College