patient rights.

Observing a Patient’s Bill of Rights is not just a legal requirement. At Albany Regional Eye Surgery Center, we view this Bill of Rights as a code of ethics by which to treat every patient. By observing these rights, patients and surgeons will experience a more effective and comfortable patient care experience, and all parties involved will derive a high level of satisfaction. After all, establishing a trust-filled personal relationship between the physician and the patient is essential for quality care.

We also have adopted a Statement of Patient Responsibilities, in an effort to make each of our patients feel more involved/active in their eye care experience. This document clarifies the appropriate expectations we have for our patients, as well as what they can expect when visiting Albany Regional Eye Surgery Center.

Patient Rights

• The patient has the right to considerate and respectful care.
• The patient has the right to obtain from his/her physician complete current information concerning his/her diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in terms the patient can be reasonably expected to understand.
• The patient has the right to receive from his/her physician information necessary to give informed consent prior to the start of any procedure or treatment. Except in emergencies, such information for informed consent should include but not necessarily be limited to the specific procedure and/or treatment, and the reasonably foreseeable risks involved. Where medically significant alternatives for care or treatment exist, or when the patient requests information concerning medical alternatives, the patient has the right to such information. The patient also has the right to know the name of the person responsible for the procedures and/or treatment.
• The patient has the right to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law and to be informed of the medical consequences of his/her action.
• The patient has the right to dignity, and consideration of his/her privacy concerning his/her own medical care program.
• The patient has the right to expect that all communications and records pertaining to his/her care should be treated as confidential. The patient may access his/her medical record pursuant to the provisions of section 18 and Subpart 50-3 of the NY Public Health Law, and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA.)
• The patient has the right to be informed of the services available at the Center, and to expect that within its capacity the Center will make reasonable response to a request for services. When medically indicated, a patient may be transferred to another facility only after receiving complete information and explanation concerning the needs for and alternatives to such a transfer.
• The patient has the right to obtain information about any relationship of this Center to other health care providers insofar as his/her care is concerned. The patient has the right to obtain information as to the existence of any professional relationships among individuals, by name, who are treating him/her.
• The patient has the right to be informed of the charges for services, eligibility for third-party reimbursements, and when applicable, the availability of free or reduced-cost care.
• The patient has the right to voice grievances and recommend changes in policies or services to the Center’s staff, the Center’s Operator, and the New York Department of Health without fear of reprisal.
• The patient has the right to be advised if the facility proposes to engage in or perform human experimentation affecting his/her care or treatment. The patient has the right to refuse to participate in such research projects.
• The patient has the right to examine and receive an explanation of his/her bill regardless of source of payment, and to receive an itemized copy of the account statement upon request.
• The patient has the right to express complaints about the care and services provided, and to have the Center investigate any such complaints. The patient may make a complaint to the Center’s Director of Nursing, Michele Boucher, RN or Administrator, Maria Tietjen, RN, BSN., at (732-828-5900). The patient may also file a complaint with the Office of the Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman, www.medicare.gov/ombudsman. The Center is responsible for providing the patient or designee with a written response within 30 days if requested by the patient, indicating findings of the investigation. The Center is also responsible for notifying the patient or designee that, if not satisfied by the Center’s response, the patient may complain to the New York State Department of Health at (518-402-1004).

Patient Responsibilities

• The patient is responsible for informing the surgery center staff of any changes in their health status that could affect their treatment.
• The patient is responsible for adhering to the prescribed treatment plan and/or advising the surgery center staff of any intention/desire not to adhere to the prescribed treatment plan.
• The patient is responsible for asking questions and seeking clarification regarding areas of concern.
• The patient is responsible for completing any health status questionnaires requested by the Surgery Center. The patient will supply current and accurate information about allergies, and a complete list of medications taken, and dosages.
• The patient is responsible for acting in a considerate and respectful manner with health center staff.
• The patient is responsible for informing the surgery center of the existence of an advance directive, if the directive would influence care decisions
• The patient is responsible for keeping their scheduled appointments. Patients are responsible for ensuring that they are accompanied by a responsible adult at discharge, unless exempted by the surgeon, who will accompany the patient from this facility, and who will stay with the patient for 24 hours after surgery if required by the patient’s physician.

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