The Eye and Vision Center believes that the observance of patients’ rights contributes to more effective patient care and greater satisfaction for the patient, the optometrist and the organization. A personal relationship between the optometrist and the patient, built around the rights outlined below, is essential for the delivery of quality optometric care.
The Right to Respect and Non-Discrimination
Patients have the right to considerate, respectful care from their doctors, health plan representatives, and other health care providers that does not discriminate against them.
The Right to Choose
Patients have the right to choose health care providers who can give them high-quality health care when they need it.
The Right to Access Emergency Services
Patients have the right to access emergency health services when and where the need arises.
The Right to Care and Treatment
Patients have the right to expect that health care organizations will give the necessary health services to the best of their ability. Treatments, referral, or transfer may be recommended.
The patient has the right to expect that, within its capacity, The Eye and Vision Center must make a reasonable response to the request of a patient for services. The Eye and Vision Center must provide evaluation, service, and/or referral as indicated by the urgency of the case.
When necessary, a patient may be referred to another facility or provider of health services only after receiving complete information and an explanation concerning the need for and alternatives to such a referral. The providers or institution to which the patient is being referred should receive full information regarding the need for additional consultation and treatment, provided that the patient consents in writing to the release of such information.
The Right to Participation in Treatment Decisions
Patients have the right to know their treatment options and take part in decisions about their care.
The patient has the right to obtain from the doctor information concerning the diagnosis, treatment,and prognosis in terms the patient can understand. In the rare case that it is not professionally advisable to give such information to the patient, the information should be made available to an appropriate and legally authorized person on behalf of the patient.
The Right to Information Disclosure
Patients have the right to receive accurate, easily understood information to assist them in making informed decisions about their health plans, facilities and professionals.
Patients have the right to know the identity and specialty of the doctor or other individuals involved in their care.
A patient has the right to the accommodation of special needs, such as language interpreters for communication, special equipment to accommodate physical limitations, or accommodations to meet cultural or religious needs.
A patient has the right to inspect his/her medical record, request an amendment, have such information explained or interpreted as necessary, except when restricted by law, and for a reasonable fee, receive a copy of his/her record. No fee shall be charged to receive a copy of his/her medical record if he/she shows that the request is to support a claim or appeal under any provisions of the Social Security Act in any federal or state financial needs-based benefit program.
The patient has the right to obtain information about any relationship of The Eye and Vision Center to other health care and education institutions as far as his/her care is concerned. The patient has the right to obtain information about the existence of any professional relationships among named individuals who are providing treatment.
Billing and Finance Rights
The patient has the right to have his/her questions answered and long-term financial implications of treatment choices explained, insofar as they are known, except in emergency situations.
The patient has a right to receive from a person designated by the health care facility, upon request, any available information that the facility has available relative to financial assistance, payment, and free care.
The patient has a right to request and receive an itemized explanation of his/her medical bill including, if applicable, laboratory charges, pharmaceutical charges, and third party credits.
Informed Consent
The patient has a right to receive adequate explanation of his/her health problems, the proposed treatment, the risk and benefits of treatment, and the realistic care alternatives in a manner that he/she understands so that he/she may give voluntary and well informed consent.
The patient has a right to have his/her consent obtained prior to any recording or filming of care treatment and services provided to him/her, which are made for purposes other than the identification, diagnosis or treatment.
The Right to Privacy and Confidentiality
Patients have the right to privacy and confidentiality of health information, including the right to:
- Communicate with health care providers in confidence and to have the confidentiality of their individually identifiable health care information protected.
- Privacy during medical treatment or other rendering of care within the capacity of the health care facility.
- Be afforded security and confidentiality of information, including all medical records and communications concerning their medical history and treatment to the extent provided by law. Those not directly involved in their care must have the patient’s permission to
- Be present during case discussions, consultation sessions, examination, treatment sessions, and the review of their chart.
- Receive a notice of privacy rights and practices in accordance with the federal law.
The Right to Speedy Complaint Resolution
Patients have the right to a fair, fast, and objective review for resolving differences. The patient has the right to know that review procedures exist and has the right to be advised of how they may be initiated.
The Right to Safety
Patients have the right to expect reasonable safety insofar as the health care facility practices and environments are concerned.
Statement of Patients’ Responsibilities
- Patients have the responsibility to provide to the best of their ability, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past conditions, medications, unexpected changes in condition, and other matters pertinent to their health.
- Patients have the responsibility to ask questions and discuss treatment plan options with the provider.
- Patients have the responsibility to follow the treatment plan to the best of their ability and to inform the provider when they are unable to do so.
- Patients have the responsibility to keep appointments reliably and promptly or to notify The Eye and Vision Center when unable to do so.
- Patients have the responsibility to fulfill financial obligations for their care in a timely manner, including informing The Eye and Vision Center if they are experiencing financial hardship and require consideration for reduced fees.
MCPHS Nondiscrimination Policy
MCPHS is committed to a policy and practice of equal employment opportunity and diversifying its faculty and staff. In affirming this commitment, the University is considerate of the increasing complexity and diversity of the health care community for which is its preparing practitioners and its commitment to providing quality education. MCPHS Nondiscrimination Policy