Heal. Smile. Breathe.
Patient Rights and Responsibilities
Health care works when we work together for you!
Patient Rights: As a patient, you have the right to:
- take part in your health care and treatment
- know the names of the people caring for you
- be treated with respect and dignity in a safe and private setting
- be informed about your illness and treatment, including options for your care
- change medical providers at Northwest Michigan Health Services, Inc.
- get another opinion about your illness or treatment
- privacy of your health records
- talk with the clinic coordinator about any questions or problems with your care
- know about services available through NMHSI
- respect for your cultural, social, spiritual and personal values and beliefs
- know about legal reporting requirements
- ask for special arrangements if you have a disability
- ask for help with a living will or durable power of attorney for health care
- refuse treatment, care and services as allowed by law
- know the cost of your care and ways you may pay for your care
- refuse to be included in any research program without limiting medical care or treatment.
Patient Responsibilities: As a patient, you have the responsibility to:
- talk openly with your medical team about any changes in your health, current illness or problems and
tell your team if you are having trouble sticking to your care plan - ask questions about your illness or care
- follow the health care plan you and your team have talked about and set goals you can reach
- tell your team what is not working so together you can make changes if necessary
- show respect to both care givers and other patients
- cancel or reschedule appointments timely so that another person may have that time slot
- pay your bills on time
- use medications or medical devices prescribed to you for yourself only
- inform your team if you become worse or you have an unexpected reaction to a medication
- give written permission to release your other health records to NMHSI when necessary
- provide us a copy of your living will or durable power of attorney for healthcare matters
Patient Support Services
- Health Insurance Enrollment & Sliding Fee Program
- Pharmacy Services & Discounted Drug Program
- Extended Access
- Interpreters / Bilingual Staff
- Transportation Assistance
- Coordinated Care with Specialists
- Connection to Community Resources
- Health Education
- Community Outreach