Patient Rights

English

Patient Rights

In keeping with Pacific Cardiovascular & Vein Institue's dedication to your well-being and quick recovery, we recognize that, as a patient, you are entitled to certain rights. You are entitled to be informed of these rights as early as possible in the course of your treatment. We remain committed to consistently respect the following as your rights as a patient:

Access – the right to reasonable access to health care services without consideration of race, religion, color, sexual prefer­ence, sex, age, handicap, national origin, or source of payment.

Respect and Dignity – the right to considerate, respectful care given by competent personnel, with recognition of per­sonal dignity. Consideration shall be given to the patient’s spiritual and cultural values, such that the patient may exercise these beliefs to the extent that this practice does not interfere with the well-being of others or the planned course of care. The care of the patient shall reflect the recognition of these psychosocial, spiritual and cultural variables.

Personal Safety and Security – the right to expect reasonable safety and security insofar as medical practices and environment arc concerned.

Identity – the right to know the identity and professional status of the individuals providing health care services. The right to know of the relationship(s) of the facility to other persons or organizations participating in the provision of your care.

Information – the right to be communicated with in a manner that is clear, concise and understandable. If the patient does not speak English, an interpreter will be provided. Alternative communication techniques or assistive devices will be provided for those who are deaf or blind. The right to obtain, from the care giver responsible for coordinating his/her care, complete and current information concerning his/her diagnosis (to the degree known), treatment, and any known follow-up care. This information should be communicated in terms the patient can reasonably be expected to understand. When it is not medically advisable to give such information to the patient, the information should be made available to a legally authorized individual.

Consultation – the right of Pacific Cardiovascular & Vein Institue’s assistance in obtaining consultation with another physician at the patient’s own request and expense.

Medical Record – the right to have access to the information contained in the medical record unless specifically restricted by the attending physician for medical reasons. Pacific Cardiovascular & Vein Institue has ownership of the patient medical record.

Informed Consent – the right to reasonably informed participation in decision-making involving healthcare. Except for emergencies, the physician must obtain the necessary informed consent prior to the start of any procedure and/or treat­ment. To the degree possible, this should be based on a clear, concise explanation of his/her condition and of all proposed technical procedures, including the possibilities of any risk of mortality or serious side effects, problems related to recu­peration, and probability of success. The patient should not be subjected to any procedure, research or donor program without his voluntary, competent, and understanding consent or that of his/her legally authorized representative. Where medically significant alternatives for care or treatment exist, the patient shall be so informed. When the patient (a) has been adjudicated incompetent in accordance with applicable law, (b) has been found by his/her physician to be incapable of understanding the proposed treatment, (c) cannot communicate his/her desires regarding treatment, and/or (d) is an unemancipated minor, the rights and decisions of the patient shall be exercised by the patient’s legal guardian, next of kin, or legally authorized decision maker. Consent is obtained for recording or filming made for purposes other than the identification, diagnosis, or treatment.

Refusal of Treatment – the right to refuse any treatment, drugs or procedure, to the extent permitted by law, and to be informed of the medical consequences of any such action. A patient, or legally responsible person, may, at anytime, refuse to continue in any such program to which he has previously given informed consent.

Participation in Care and Pain Management – the right to participate, in collaboration with your physician, in the development, implementation and revision of the patient plan of care. This right applies to the family and/or guardian of children and adolescents. The right to appropriate assessment, management and relief of pain, including providing feedback on pain control.

Advance Directive – the right to have an advance directive (such as a living will, healthcare proxy, or durable power of attorney for health care) concerning treatment or designating a surrogate decision maker with the expectation that the directive will be honored to the extent permitted by law and Pacific Cardiovascular & Vein Institue policy.

Privacy – the right to every consideration of personal privacy concerning your health care. Case discussion, consultation, examination and treatments are considered confidential and should be conducted discreetly giving reasonable visual and auditory privacy when possible. This includes the right, if requested, to have someone present while physical examina­tion, treatment or procedure is being performed, as long as they do not interfere with diagnostic procedures or treatments. The right to request a room transfer if another patient or a visitor in the room is unreasonably disturbing you and another room equally suitable for your care needs is available. The patient’s right to privacy includes assurances that visiting can be restricted if deemed desirable.

Assistive Services – the right to expect Pacific Cardiovascular & Vein Institue's assistance in whatever need the patient might have whenever possible, including but not limited to interpretive services, information on financial resources and access to protective services.

Medical Charges – the right to request and receive an itemized and detailed explanation of the Pacific Cardiovascular & Vein Institue bill.

Continued Care – the right to expect that you will be informed by your physician of continued health care requirements following discharge, the requirements of continued health care in the home, and the ways to fulfill these requirements.

Pacific Cardiovascular & Vein Institue Rules and Regulations – the right to know what rules and regulations apply to patient conduct.

Complaint/Grievance – the right, without recrimination, to voice complaints, either verbal or written, regarding the patient’s care, to have those complaints reviewed and, when possible, resolved in a timely manner. The patient or the patient’s representative will be provided with a written notice of the organization’s determination regarding the grievance. If the patient feels that satisfaction has not been afforded him/her, or if he/she has any suggestions or questions, he/she may contact the Clinical Nurse Manager regarding complaint/grievance concerns at 805-643-3330. Complaints/ grievances regarding patient care may also be called to the Department of Health, or written to the following address:

CA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Licensing and Certification
P.O. Box 997377, MS 3000
Sacramento, CA 95899-7377

Telephone General (916) 552-8700
Toll Free General (800) 236-9747

Confidentiality – the right to have all records pertaining to treatment treated as confidential, except as otherwise provided by law or third-party contractual arrangements.

Emergency Care – the right to expect emergency procedures to be implemented without unnecessary delay, including, when medically necessary, transfer to CMH.

Parents/Legal Guardian – parents and/or other responsible party will have these same rights, to the extent permitted by law, when the patient is a minor, adjudicated incompetent, medically incapable of understanding a treatment/procedure, or unable to communicate treatment wishes. Responsible party may be legal guardian, loco parentis, or otherwise directed by parent or guardian or court of competent jurisdiction.

Restraints – the right to be free from unnecessary use of the physical or chemical restraints that arc not medically neces­sary or arc used as a means of coercion, convenience, or retaliation by staff.

Abuse – the right to be free from all forms of abuse or harassment.

Ethical Dilemma – the right to speak with a Pacific Cardiovascular & Vein Institue surgeon if, in the course of your care, an ethical dilemma should occur.

Quality Care – the right to good quality care and high professional standards that are continually maintained and re­viewed. The right to expect good management techniques to be implemented within Pacific Cardiovascular & Vein Institue that affect quality of care. The Patient and, when appropriate, their families will be informed about the outcomes of care, treatment, and services, including unanticipated outcomes.

Right to Choose your Healthcare Provider– the patient has the right to choose another physician in this Practice or another Practitioner in another office at any time.

Pacific Cardiovascular & Vein Institue is Owned by Alex Liu, MD & Operated by C. Shawn Skillern, MD & Li Sheng Kong, MD

Patient Responsibilities

The care a patient receives depends partially on the patient himself. Therefore, in addition to your rights as a patient, you have certain responsibilities as well. These responsibilities arc presented to you, the patient, in the spirit of mutual trust and respect.

Provision of Information – a patient has the responsibility to provide, to the best of his/her knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, advance directives and other matters relating to his/her health. He/she has the responsibility to report unexpected changes in his/her condition to the responsible practitioner. A patient is responsible for making it known whether he/she clearly comprehends a contemplated course of action and what is expected of him/her.

Asking Questions – the patient and family arc responsible for asking questions when they do not understand what they have been told about the patient’s care or what they are expected to do.

Compliance with/Following Instructions – a patient is responsible for following the treatment developed with the practitioner. This may include following the instructions of nurses and allied health personnel as they carry out the coordinated plan of care and implement the responsible practitioner’s orders, and as they enforce the applicable rules and regulations. The patient is responsible for keeping appointments and, when he/she is unable to do so for any reason, for notifying Pacific Cardiovascular & Vein Institue in a timely manner.

Accepting the Consequences of Not Following Instructions/or Refusal of Treatment– the patient is responsible for his/her actions and outcomes if he/she refuses treatment or does not follow the practitioner’s instructions.

Billing Charges – the patient is responsible for assuring that the financial obligations of his/her health care arc fulfilled as promptly as possible, and may be assisted by the Billing Department.

Pacific Cardiovascular & Vein Institue Rules and Regulations – the patient is responsible for following rules and regulations affecting the patient care and conduct.

Respect and Consideration – the patient is responsible for being considerate of the rights of other patients and staff and for assisting in the control of noise, no smoking, or distractions. The patient and family are responsible for respecting the property of other persons and that of Pacific Cardiovascular & Vein Institue.

Procedures – all admitted patients will receive a copy of the Patient’s Rights and Responsibilities, which outlines who to contact with a concern. Rights and Responsibilities for our patients are posted in registration and waiting areas.

For more information on our policies and/or services, please visit our web site: www.pacificcardiovascular.com

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