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Phone: 301-631-3881
Fax: 301-631-3883

Patient’s Rights and Responsibilities

Respecting the unique individuality of every patient is a major goal of Thomas Johnson Surgery Center. To attain this goal, we have determined that the rights and responsibilities of every patient should be protected and preserved.

Patients receiving care in the ambulatory surgery setting have a right to the following:

  • Access to care
    • Patients have the right to access necessary surgical and/or procedural interventions that are medically indicated.
    • Patients, family members, and/or designees are included in ethical discussions of and decisions affecting the patient’s care.
    • Marketing or advertising regarding the competence and capabilities of the organization is not misleading to patients and/or support persons.
  • Respectful and considerate care
    • Patients will be treated with respect, compassion, and consideration in a clean and safe environment.
    • Patients are treated with dignity and without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or source of payment.
    • The patient has the right to be free of restraint except when indicated to protect the patient or others from injury.
  • Privacy and confidentiality
    • Patients have the right to every consideration of personal privacy.
    • Any patient case discussion, consultation, examination, and treatment will be conducted so as to protect each patient’s privacy.
  • Information about treatment
    • Patients are provided, to the degree known, information concerning their diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and prognosis. When it is medically inadvisable to give such information to a patient, the information is provided to a person designated by the patient or to a legally authorized person.
    • Patients are given the opportunity to participate in decisions involving their health care, except when such participation is contraindicated for medical reasons.
    • Patients will receive information as necessary to provide informed consent for any planned procedure.
    • Patients have the right to consent or decline in research affecting their care.
    • When the need arises, reasonable attempts are made for health care professionals and other staff to communicate in the language or manner used by patients.
    • Patients have the right to information prior to the day of services regarding the center’s fees for services and payment policies.
    • Patients will be informed of the absence of malpractice insurance, if applicable.
  • Refusal of Care
    • Patients have the right to refuse care to the extent provided by law and to be informed of the potential consequences of this refusal.
    • Patient has the right to be informed of their right to change their provider if other qualified providers are available.

Patients who are recipients of health care services are responsible for the following:

  • Communication
    • Patients are responsible for providing accurate and complete information to the best of his/her ability regarding their health status, medical history, and current medications, including over-the-counter products and dietary supplements, and any allergies or sensitivities.
    • Patients are responsible for reporting any change in their condition during the present course of treatment and recovery.
    • Patients are responsible for participating in care decisions and for asking questions when they do not understand the information provided.
  • Respecting others
    • Patients have the responsibility to be considerate of others, including health care professionals and staff, as well as other patients, and to respect their rights, privacy, and property.
  • Participation
    • Patients are responsible for adhering to the plan of treatment by following instructions, participating in his/her care, keeping appointments, and cooperating with care providers who assist with carrying out the plan(s) of care.
    • Patients are responsible for providing a responsible adult to transport him/her home from the facility and remain with him/her for twenty-four (24) hours, if required by his/her provider.
    • Patients are responsible for recognizing the effect of lifestyle choices on their personal health.
  • Financial obligations
    • Patients are responsible for providing complete and accurate third party payer information and meeting any outstanding financial obligations related to the services received.
    • Patients are responsible for accepting personal financial responsibility for any charges not covered by his/her insurance.
    • Collaboration and agreement of payment policies and fees for services will be documented.

If you have any questions or comments regarding the content herein you should contact the Administrator by telephone 301-631-3881 ext. 304.