There are 12 key areas related to patient rights when accessing and receiving health care in the United States.
This article discusses these patient rights and the foundation for them.
Patients have the right to emergency medical treatment at any emergency room, regardless of their ability to pay.
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A healthcare provider must make you aware of what their plans or procedures are before they begin them.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek more information.
These decisions can sometimes violate the right to choose the provider of your choice.
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All people have the right to choose the provider who renders healthcare services to them.
This self-determination can be achieved through advance directive planning.
There are exceptions, especially with concerns over the opioid crisis.
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Access to pain management does not necessarily mean you might demand a specific key in of drug or therapy.
Patient rights do have limits and healthcare providers have rights, too.
Don’t hesitate to speak up for yourself or ask questions about your rights.
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A patient advocate also can help you with concerns about your patient rights.
Keep in mind that as a patient, you also have responsibilities as a partner in your health care.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.Access to Care.
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American Medical Association.Patient rights.
American College of Emergency Physicians.EMTALA fact sheet.
American Medical Association.Informed consent.
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U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.Health information privacy.
National Institute on Aging.Preparing a Living Will.
National Institute on Aging.Choosing a Health Care Proxy.
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Brennan F, Lohman D, Gwyther L.Access to Pain Management as a Human Right.Am J Public Health.
2019 Jan;109(1):61-65. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2018.304743.
Jukic M, Puljak L.Legal and Ethical Aspects of Pain Management.Acta Med Acad.
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2018 May;47(1):18-26. doi: 10.5644/ama2006-124.211.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Consultations, Referrals, and Transfers of Care.
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