Patients - Grand Teton Surgical Center

Patient Rights

Grand Teton Surgical Center adopts and affirms the following rights of patients who receive healthcare from this facility. The patient has the right to expect the following from the physicians and staff of Grand Teton Surgical Center:

Respect – The patient will be addressed by their proper name unless directed otherwise by the patient. The patient has the right to considerate and respectful care at all times and under all circumstances with recognition of his/her dignity. Treatment without discrimination regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political belief, handicap, or source of payment.

Consideration – The patient's personal needs and requests will be accommodated as much as possible within the confines of the surgical center. Considerate and respectful care including consideration of psychosocial, spiritual, and cultural variables that influence the perceptions of illness.

Dignity and Privacy – The patient will be given a private area to change into the patient gown. The patient has the right to be interviewed and examined in surroundings designed to assure reasonable visual and auditory privacy. Confidentiality and privacy of all records pertaining to your treatment, except as otherwise provided by law or third party payment contracts. Information regarding the Center's privacy and security practices will be offered to all patients on admission.

Confidentiality – All information regarding the patient is treated in a confidential manner. The patient has the right to expect that any discussion or consultation involving their care or in the management of their surgical center account will be conducted discreetly and that individuals not directly involved in their care will not be present without their permission. The patient has the right to have their medical records read only by individuals directly involved in their care.

Personal Safety – The patient may expect to be cared for in a safe setting regarding patient environmental safety, infection control, security and freedom from abuse or harassment.

Information – When the procedure is scheduled, the patient will receive a Surgical Center instruction handout from the physician's office. The patient will obtain complete and current information concerning the diagnosis, treatment, and expected outcome in terms the patient can be reasonably expected to understand. The patient will be provided information necessary to give informed consent prior to any procedure or treatment, except for emergency situations. This information shall include, as a minimum, an explanation of the specific procedure or treatment, its value and significant risks, and an explanation of other appropriate treatment methods, if any. When it is not medically advisable to give such information to the patient, the information will be made available to an appropriate person on the patient's behalf. The patient will be informed of the surgical center's financial policy and verbal/written clarification will be provided if necessary.

Patient Responsibilities

"Clean, competent, friendly staff."

Provision of information – The patient has the responsibility to provide, to the best of his/her knowledge, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, medications, allergies, and other matters relating to his/her health. He/she has the responsibility to report unexpected changes in his condition to the responsible practitioner. A patient is responsible for reporting whether he/she clearly comprehends a contemplated course of action/treatment plan and what is expected of him/her. The patient is responsible for following directions in procedure preparation and follow-up care. The patient is responsible for keeping appointments and notifying your physician when not able to keep appointments.

Refusal of Treatment – The patient is responsible for his/her actions or consequences if he/she refuses treatment or does not follow physician's instructions.

Surgical Center Charges – The patient is responsible for assuring that the financial obligations of his/her health care are fulfilled as promptly as possible. The patient is responsible for any portion of the bill not covered by his/her insurance plan.

Ask Questions – The patient is encouraged to ask questions of the physician and staff if he/she is unsure of any aspect of the procedure or follow-up.

Respect and Consideration – The patient is responsible for being considerate of the rights of other patients and personnel and for assisting in the control of noise and the number of visitors. The patient is responsible for being respectful of the property of other persons and of the Center.

Know the Rules – Know the facility's rules and regulations that apply to your conduct as a patient.

Responsible Adult – The patient is responsible to provide a responsible adult to transport him/her home from the surgical center and remain with him/her for 12 to 24 hours as deemed necessary by the patient's treatment and physician requirements.

Financial Interest – Your physician has a financial interest in Grand Teton Surgical Center and you are free to choose an alternate facility for your procedure.

Complaints and Grievances – If a patient has a complaint, they should let their caregiver know as soon as possible so that the problem may be resolved. The patient or family member may contact the Director of Nursing at any time with complaints or grievances and can expect a resolution to the grievance in a reasonable time, including external appeals as required by state and federal regulations. You may contact Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Bureau of Facility Standards at 208-334-1864. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services may be reached at 1-800-633-4227 or www.cms.hhs.gov/center/ombudsman.asp.