Patient Rights & Responsibilities

PATIENT RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

RESPECTFUL CARE

The patient has the right to considerate and respectful care which optimizes the comfort and dignity of the patient throughout his/her treatment. Recognition of the patient’s dignity as a human being is of utmost concern. The patient has the right to exercise his or her rights without being subjected to discrimination or reprisal. Reasonable attempts will be made to accommodate the patient needs to communicate in the language primarily used by the patient. Interpretation services are available via the language line. The patient is encouraged to communicate their specific needs to the staff and physicians involved in their care

PRIVACY

The patient has the right to every consideration of privacy, and to receive care in a safe setting, free from all forms of abuse and harassment. The patient has the right to refuse to talk with anyone not officially connected with the center, including visitors. The patient’s privacy will be respected from the check in process throughout the evaluation and treatment areas. when conducting interviews or while the patient is being examined. The patient has the right to wear appropriate personal clothing and religious or other symbolic items, as long as they do not interfere with diagnostic procedures or treatment. The physician and nursing staff will discuss the results of the procedure and additional follow up with the patient’s representative unless otherwise instructed.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND DISCLOSURES

The patient has the right to expect that all communication and records pertaining to his/her care will be treated as confidential. The patient or his/her legal representative has access to this information within the limits of the law. Except when required by the law, patients are given the opportunity to approve or refuse their release. (See Notice of Privacy Practices).

INFORMATION AND TREATMENT

The patient has the right to be well informed about his/her illness, possible treatments, and likely outcomes and to discuss this information with his/her doctor. The patient has a right to know the names and roles of the providers treating him/her. The patient also has the right to know the immediate and long-term financial implications of treatment choices, insofar as they are known. The patient has right to be told of realistic care alternatives when existing care is no longer appropriate. If it is medically inadvisable to provide the patient with information concerning their diagnosis, evaluation, treatment and prognosis a person designated by the patient is given the information.

INFORMED CONSENT/REFUSAL OF CARE

The patient has the right to receive from his/her physician the information necessary to give informed consent prior to the start of any procedure and/or treatment. Except in emergencies, such information should include, but not necessarily limited to, the specific procedure and/or treatment planned, the medically significant risks involved, the benefits and alternatives associated. The patient has the right to refuse recommended treatment or plan of care to the extent permitted by law, and to be informed of the medical consequences of this action.

BILLING INFORMATION

The patient has the right to receive an explanation of his/her bill, regardless of the source of payment. Billing procedures regarding payment arrangements will be discussed with the patient by the billing personnel. Patients requesting information regarding the expenses associated with procedures are encouraged to speak with the billing personnel.

EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH

The patient has the right to consent or decline to take part in research affecting his/her care. The facilities are not currently participating in research studies.

ADVANCED DIRECTIVES

The patient has the right to an Advanced Directive (such as a living will, health care proxy, or durable power of attorney for health care) concerning treatment or designating a surrogate decision maker, with the expectation the center will honor the patient’s wishes to the extent permitted by law. The possession of an advance directive is documented at the time of check in. The physician performing the endoscopy deems the advance directive to apply to hospital care and not for the purposes of an elective outpatient procedure. Resuscitative measures would be implemented at the ASC if the patient undergoing an elective outpatient procedure were to have an adverse reaction to the sedation or procedure.

CREDENTIALING OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

All physicians are credentialed by the medical staff of the center. All licenses and registration are kept current and verified. Re-credentialing occurs every three years. All nursing staff is licensed in the State of Idaho. All physicians and registered nurses are certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support. All other clinical personnel are current in Basic Life Support.

PHYSICIAN SELECTION/FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

Patients have the right to select their gastroenterologist. For information regarding each physician please refer to the website idahogastro.com or ask any staff member. You have the right to change providers. When requesting a transfer of your care to another provider this change must be approved by the new provider you are requesting.

Boise and Meridian Endoscopy Centers are owned and operated by the physicians of Idaho Gastroenterology Associates. Physician owners include Akshay Gupta, Chris Hammerle, Philip Jensen, Matthew Sericati, Brian Story Robert Lockwood, Kirsten Morigeau Bonnie Kim Waite, and David Wood. The intent of disclosing this information in advance of your scheduled procedure is to assist you in making an informed decision about your care.

COMPLAINT/GRIEVANCE

If you as a patient or patient’s representative wish to file a complaint or grievance, please contact our Clinical Director @ 208-489-7223. You may also file a grievance with:

Chief of Bureau Facility Standards
3232 Elder Street
Boise, Idaho 83720-0036
208-334-6622
fsb@dhw.idaho.gov

Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman
http://www.medicare.gov/claims-and-appeals/medicare-rights/get-help/ombudsman.html

AAAHC
5250 Old Orchard Road Suite 200
Skokie, Illinois 60077
847-853-6060

Idaho State Board of Medicine
208-327-7000
https://bom.idaho.gov/BOMPortal/Home.aspx

AFTERHOURS CARE

Afterhours care is available. Patients can access care afterhours by calling 208-343-6458. The patient will be connected to the answering service. The service will direct the caller to either the nurse or physician on call.

PATIENT CONDUCT AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The patient and his/her family are responsible for:

  • Providing the most accurate and complete information regarding his/her health, medications, OTC products, dietary supplements, allergies or sensitivities that they can
  • Reporting unexpected changes in your condition
  • Letting staff know when you do not understand the treatment plan
  • Following the treatment plan
  • Keeping appointments and for contacting the facility if you can’t keep the appointment for some reason.
  • Behave respectfully toward all healthcare professionals and staff as well as other patients and visitors
  • Accepting financial responsibility for any charges not covered by your insurance.
  • Provide a responsible adult to provide transportation from the facility and provide home care if needed.
  • Inform provider of living will, power of attorney or other directives.