If you are admitted to our hospital or come to our Emergency Department, you’re given a small stack of papers to sign. While it’s tempting to quickly sign the forms and feel that you’re done, these forms are provided for your protection to empower you while you’re in the hospital. It’s more than okay to read the forms and ask questions before you sign them.
One form you or your loved one will receive is titled “Patient Rights and Responsibilities.” It lists numerous patient rights which are based on the inherent values of dignity, respect, and consideration. Some of the patient rights on this form involve important topics such as privacy, freedom of choice, and obtaining information from the medical record.
I think many people underestimate their influence over their own health care decisions. For example, you could be going into a state of the art operating room with the best physician in the country with our amazing nurses ready to help …but it still comes down to you consenting to have the surgery done. The surgery starts with you and ends with you.
Just as looking at your favorite restaurant’s menu is the best way to see what to order and what to expect, reading the “Patient Rights and Responsibilities” form at the start of your hospital stay is the best way to prepare for a very satisfied experience.
Craig Pomykal
Patient Advocate
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