Our experienced staff strives to provide the best possible care as prescribed and recommended by your surgeon. To assist us in this goal, it is important for you to know your rights as a patient, as well as your responsibilities. These rights and responsibilities include the following:
You have the right to:
- Be informed of their right to change their provider if other qualified providers are available.
- Be informed of the rules and regulations as they apply to your conduct.
- Be treated with courtesy and respect with appreciation of your individual dignity and with the protection of your need for privacy, at all times and under all circumstances.
- Expect prompt and reasonable responses to your questions and requests.
- Know the identity of the caregiver responsible for authorizing and performing your procedures or treatments and their professional status.
- Know what patient support services are available, including access to an interpreter if needed.
- Have access to your medical record according to Center Policy.
- Be informed of the nature of your condition, proposed treatment or procedure, risks, benefits and prognosis, and any continuing health care requirements after your discharge in terms you can understand.
- Be informed of medical alternatives for care or treatment and to refuse treatment, except as otherwise provided by law, and to be informed of the consequences of your action(s).
- Receive impartial access to medical treatment or accommodations regardless of race, sex, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, physical handicap, or sources of payment.
- Know if the medical treatment prescribed is for experimental purposes and to give your written consent to participate if you choose.
- Participate in the decision-making process related to the plan of your care.
- Receive an estimate of charges (if requested) an itemized bill, detail and discussion of financial options and obligations for services rendered.
- Exercise your cultural values and spiritual beliefs as long as they do not interfere with the well-being of others, or the planned course of any medical care.
- Express concerns regarding any of these rights in accordance with the grievance process without discrimination or reprisal
- Formulate advance directives and appoint a surrogate to make health care decisions on your behalf to the extent permitted by law.
- Personal Privacy
- Receive care in a safe setting
- Power of Attorney has right to exercise all rights
- Be free of abuse and/or harassment
You are responsible for:
- Providing accurate and complete information about present and past medical conditions and all other matters pertaining to your health.
- Reporting unexpected changes in your condition to your health care providers.
- Indicating that you clearly understand what is expected of you after your surgery/procedure or asking questions so you may understand expectations and outcomes and follow the treatment plan recommended by your health care provider.
- Knowing the consequences of your own actions if you refuse treatment or do not follow the health care provider’s instructions.
- Providing an adult to transport you home after surgery and stay with you as needed.
- Keeping appointments and, if you cannot, notifying the proper person.
- Being considerate of the rights of other patients and Center personnel and to follow Center policy and regulations affecting care and conduct.
- Asking your health professional what to expect for pain management: discuss pain relief options; discuss openly any concerns or fears regarding pain management medications.
- Informing the Center about any living will, medical power of attorney, or other directives that may affect your care.
It is the policy of this facility that we do not honor Advance Directives. In the event of an emergency, we will stabilize and transfer to the nearest hospital.
We welcome your comments. If you or your family members have any concerns about any aspect of your care, we encourage you to speak with your physician or with the Administrator, Naomi Allen, in person in the Center, by phone at 301.631.3881 x304, or in writing to:
Thomas Johnson Surgery Center
197 Thomas Johnson Drive
Frederick, MD 21702
301.631.3881 x304
www.tjsurgery.com
Should your concern not be resolved by the Center to your satisfaction you may contact the state agencies listed below.
Office of Health Care Quality
Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Spring Grove Center
Bland Bryant Building
55 Wade Avenue
Catonsville, MD 21228
Toll Free: 800-492-6005
http://www.medicare.gov/claims-and-appeals/medicare-rights/get-help/ombudsman.html
AAAHC Institute for Quality Improvement
5250 Old Orchard Road, Suite 250
Skokie, IL 60077
Tel: 847-853-6060
Fax: 847-853-6118
Maryland Attorney General
Health Advocate Program
410-528-1840
Insurance Commissioner
410-468-2000
Physician Board of Quality
410-764-4777