West Virginia University Hospitals East

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Patient Rights & Responsibilities

It is our commitment to you as a patient to assure your right:

• To have full access to treatment and accommodations regardless of race, creed, sex, national origin or sources of payment for care.
• To know the identity and professional status of those individuals providing your care.
• To expect consideration, respectful care at all times and under all circumstances. Those caring for you will respect your dignity, individuality, right to confidentiality and privacy.
• To obtain current and complete information concerning your diagnosis, treatment, technical procedures and potential outcomes.
• To have all information explained to you in a manner that you can understand.
• To receive full and appropriate answers to any questions you may have.
• To expect confidentiality of all information.
• To refuse treatment that is suggested for your care to the extent permitted by law and to be informed of the consequences of such refusal.
• To have an advanced directive, such as a living will or health care proxy. These documents express your choices about your future care or name someone to decide if you cannot speak for yourself. If you have a written advanced directive, you should provide a copy to the hospital, your family and your doctor.
• To leave the hospital at any time, provided that if such departure is against the advice of your doctor, you sign a form relieving the hospital and the physicians of responsibility for any harm that may result.
• To receive a complete explanation of the need to transfer you to another facility if it would become necessary.
• To receive adequate instructions for after-care or self-care upon discharge.
• To receive appropriate assessment and management of pain.
• To receive information about hospital charges and, upon request, an explanation of your bill.

Patient Responsibilities Maintaining a positive patient-physician-staff-family relationship also places responsibility on you as our patient. We ask that you:

• Provide, to the best of your ability, accurate and complete information about your past and present health.
• Make it known when you do not understand information or procedures that are explained to you.
• Follow the treatment plan recommended by your physicians and hospital staff acting on behalf of the physician.
• Be considerate of other patients and hospital employees.
• Follow hospital rules, especially as they pertain to personal belongings, smoking, noise and visitors.
• Make prompt arrangements for payment of your bill, or to request assistance with setting up a payment plan through our Business Office.
• Make known complaints or concerns so that our staff may address and correct these, in order that your stay may be a positive experience.
• Inform your healthcare provider about any pain or discomfort so we can provide the most appropriate measures to help relieve your pain.