Patient Bill of Rights
The patient has the right to receive clear information concerning diagnosis, treatment, outcomes, and prognosis of condition. The patient has the right to discuss medical information with their provider in such a way that the patient can understand and comprehend to the best of their ability.
The patient has the right to receive details about possible treatment or
procedures in order to make a well thought out and informed decision in their healthcare.
The patient has a right to be given the alternative immediate and long term medical/dental impact of treatment choices that are known and available to date as part of their treatment plan along with being informed of
complications.
The patient has the right to actively participate in the plan of care prior to and during the course of treatment. The patient has the right to refuse a
recommended treatment plan of care to the extent permitted by law. If the
patient refuses care, the patient will be asked to document their refusal in
writing by completing the appropriate forms. When a patient refuses care, they have the right to be informed of the medical/dental consequences of this action.
The patient has the right to visually identify Community Health Net
healthcare providers and support staff members that are involved in the delivery of healthcare services through the use of employee photographic identification badges.
The patient has a right to receive respect and kindness by licensed and qualified personnel.
The patient is encouraged to have a current advance directive, living will, or healthcare power of attorney on file concerning treatment and
designation of a surrogate/alternative healthcare decision maker in times of emergency. Community Health Net is required to advise patients of their rights under state law, and to assist patients as they make informed healthy decisions. Documentation of such directive is to be included in the patients chart.
The patient has the right to privacy. Case discussion, consultation, examination and treatment are to be conducted in a manner to protect each patient’s privacy and each patient’s dignity. Release of medical/dental records will only occur with the patient’s written consent, as permitted by law, or
third-party contractual arrangements. Records can be requested in writing by completing the appropriate forms.
A patient has the right to visually examine the contents within their medical/dental chart in the presence of a provider or designated staff member of
Community Health Net except for when a review of the information could be potentially harmful to the overall health and welfare of the patient. If copies of the chart are needed, the patient must complete a request to release records in writing by completing the needed forms.
The patient who does not speak English has the right to access translation
services whenever possible.
The patient has the right to expect continuity of care. The patient has the right to be informed by their provider when additional healthcare decisions are needed such as: hospital care, in-home support services, nursing home, and relative care option when present situations are no longer effective and
appropriate.
The patient has the right to seek advice or a second opinion from another medical provider at the patient’s own expense.
The patient has the right to clearly understand the pain scale and how pain is treated by your provider relative to your diagnosis.
The patient has the right to request information regarding fees and charges
assessed related to services rendered regardless of their ability to pay for such
services. The patient has a right to receive a detailed explanation of their bill. If a patient does not have active insurance coverage, they are encouraged to apply for the “Sliding Fee Scale” that adjusts fees based on family size and income.
The patient has the right to have their questions and concerns addressed.
If you have a concern that you feel needs further attention, put your concerns in writing and submit to: Community Health Net Administration, P. O. Box 369, Erie, PA 16512
You may also contact the Director of Medical Operations at (814) 454-4530, ext. 224
As a patient, you may file an official complaint with the Joint Commission on
Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
by emailing complaint@jcaho.org , or faxing your concern to the Office of Quality
Monitoring at (603) 792-5636,
or mailing your correspondence to: Office of
Quality Monitoring, JCAHO, One Renaissance Boulevard, Oakbrook Terrance, IL 60181