Your Rights as a Patient

Right to Adequate Health Care

The right to adequate health care includes the right to:

  • Receive considerate and respectful care
  • Receive treatment without discrimination based upon race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation
  • Know the names, positions, and functions of all people providing your care
  • Get from a provider a reasonable response within a reasonable time following a request for care or information
  • Request a change in doctor
  • Submit a complaint or grievance without fear of retaliation

Right to Information

The right to information includes the right to:

  • Receive a clear explanation about your condition in a way that you can understand and use
  • Obtain information about your treatment options
  • Get information about the costs of care
  • Participate actively in the development of your treatment program
    • Agree to receive care after being told about the benefits and side effects of treatment
    • Refuse treatment after being told what effect this may have on your health
  • Choose or decline to participate in experimental research
  • Designate a health advocate who can receive diagnosis and treatment information and participate in the care decision-making, as appropriate

Right to Privacy and Confidentiality

The right to privacy and confidentiality includes the right to:

  • Have your medical and financial records treated with confidentiality
  • Receive and review a copy of your medical record

Your Responsibilities as a Patient

As an active partner in your care, you have the responsibility to:

  • Follow the care program developed with your care team
  • Advise your neurologist of any changes you have made in your care program
  • Immediately inform your neurologist if you experience any change in your neurologic condition
  • Keep your scheduled appointments
  • Contact your neurologist ahead of time if you are unable to keep your appointment
  • Inform your neurologist's office of any changes in your insurance coverage, change of address, telephone number, or other contact information

Additional Information