Statement of Policy
The physicians and staff of JDC Pediatrics share a common philosophy: Patients are to be treated not simply as customers but as partners working together to keep you healthy. We will do all we can to deliver you the best quality of medical care and a pleasant patient experience. But we will also count on you to play your part in making our collaboration a success.
Purpose of Policy
JDC has created this Policy to lay the groundwork for establishing and maintaining the best possible relationship with its patients, to set forth our expectations, and to inform you of and protect your rights and responsibilities as a patient in accordance with a U.S. law called the 1998 Patients’ Bill of Rights Act, (copies of which are posted in prominent areas throughout the JDC Pediatrics facility where patients can easily see them).
Your Right as a Patient
As a patient of JDC Pediatrics, you have the right to:
- Receive medically necessary treatment delivered without discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or marital status;
- Receive quality services that are appropriate to your care needs delivered in a timely manner;
- Receive treatment that is considerate, safe, dignified and respectful;
- Receive complete information from your physician about your diagnosis, treatment, evaluation, and prognosis in terms and language you understand;
- Know the identity and professional status of individuals providing medical services to you including the physician who has primary responsibility for your care;
- Change primary or specialty physician or be referred to another facility to the extent available;
- Refuse experimental treatments or procedures or participate in medical research;
- Complete an advanced directive setting out your wishes regarding your health care should you become incapacitated or unable to express your desires;
- Consult with a specialist at your request and expense;
- Be notified by your physician about the medical risks associated with your treatment and other medically relevant information necessary to enable you to give informed consent before receiving the treatment;
- Refuse treatment and participate in decisions involving your own healthcare (except when such participation is contraindicated for medical reasons);
- Seek a second opinion with regard to your treatment;
- Have your medical records, history, and other personal health and private information kept confidential and not collected, used, or disclosed without your authorization (except where JDC Pediatrics is permitted or required by law to collect, use or disclose that information without your authorization);
- Not have your care interrupted should your treating physician leave JDC Pediatrics;
- Obtain access to your medical records, history, and other personal health and private information;
- Be billed fairly in accordance with the terms set out in the JDC Pediatrics’ Financial Policy;
- Examine and receive an explanation of your financial obligations regardless of who pays for your treatment; and
- To ask questions and express concerns, complaints, grievances or comments regarding your medical treatment, billing or any other aspects of your experience as a patient of JDC Pediatrics.
Your Responsibilities as a Patient
As a patient of JDC Pediatrics, you are responsible for:
- Knowing about the terms of your insurance plan, including the benefits it covers;
- Scheduling appointments in advance in accordance with the terms of the JDC Pediatrics Patient Scheduling and Appointments Policy;
- Furnishing JDC Pediatrics accurate and up-to-date information about your current complaints, medical history, medications, allergies, insurance and other pertinent data;
- Showing up on time for all scheduled appointments;
- Notifying JDC Pediatrics at least 24 hours in advance when you are unable to keep a scheduled appointment;
- Listening to your physicians, following the terms of the treatment they prescribe, and asking questions if you don’t understand their instructions;
- Immediately notifying your physician of important changes in your conditions or after you receive emergency care;
- Treating all JDC Pediatrics physicians, staff, fellow patients, and visitors with courtesy and respect;*
- Making all required co-payments;
- Ensuring that you fulfill your responsibilities with regard to payment of your treatment in accordance with the JDC Pediatrics Financial Policy;
- Obeying all health and safety regulations when you come to the JDC Pediatrics facility, including the ban on smoking.