Patient Rights

The following list of patient rights is not intended to be all inclusive.
Every patient has the right to:

• Be treated with dignity and respect
• Privacy and confidentiality concerning their medical care - the patient has the right to be advised as to the reason for the presence of any individual directly involved or observing their care
• Have their questions, concerns or complaints addressed in good faith
• Be provided with complete information about their diagnosis, indications for tests and procedures, treatment and alternatives, prognosis, and both normal and abnormal test results. Such communication will be in a timely manner.
• Make choices and decisions regarding their medical care to the extent permitted by law - this includes the right to refuse treatment
• Change physicians if other qualified physicians are available
• Receive, on request, information about fees and charges, and receive an explanation of their bill, regardless of source of payment
• Receive, on request, and at a reasonable fee established by the Health Information Management Department, a copy of their medical record
• Have an advance directive concerning treatment or designation of a surrogate decision maker
• Exercise these rights without regard to gender, cultural, economic, educational or religious background

Patient Responsibilities

The care a patient receives depends partially on the patient himself. Therefore, in addition to these rights, a patient has certain responsibilities as well. These responsibilities shall be presented to the patient in the spirit of mutual trust and respect.

The patient has the responsibility to:

• Provide accurate and complete information concerning his/her present complaints, past medical history, and other matters relating to his/her health
• Make it known whether he/she clearly comprehends the course of his/her medical treatment and what is expected of him/her
• Follow the treatment plan established by his/her physician, including the instructions of nurses and other health professionals, as they carry out the physician's orders
• Keep appointments and notify Marshfield Clinic or physician when unable to do so
• Accept responsibility for his/her actions should he/she refuse treatment or not follow his/her physician's orders
• Assure that financial obligations of his/her care are fulfilled as promptly as possible
• Follow our facility's policies and procedures
• Be considerate of the rights and property of other patients and facility personnel