cases, such as surgery or experimental treat- if you become unable to make health care
ment, you may be asked to confirm in writ- decisions for yourself, or a “living will” or
ing that you understand what is planned “advance directive” that states your wishes
and agree to it. This process protects your about end-of-life care, give copies to your
right to consent to or refuse a treatment. doctor, your family and your care team. If
Your doctor will explain the medical con- you or your family need help making dif-
sequences of refusing recommended treat- ficult decisions, counselors, chaplains and
ment. It also protects your right to decide others are available to help.
if you want to participate in a research study.
Protection of Your Privacy
» Getting information from you We respect the confidentiality of your rela-
Your caregivers need complete and correct tionship with your doctor and other caregiv-
information about your health and coverage ers, and the sensitive information about
so that they can make good decisions about your health and health care that are part of
your care. That includes: that relationship. State and federal laws and
• Past illnesses, surgeries or hospital stays. hospital operating policies protect the pri-
• Past allergic reactions. vacy of your medical information. You will
• Any medicines or dietary supplements receive a Notice of Privacy Practices that
(such as vitamins and herbs) that you are describes the ways that we use, disclose and
taking. safeguard patient information and that ex-
• Any network or admission requirements plains how you can obtain a copy of infor-
under your health plan. mation from our records about your care.
» Understanding your health Help with Your Bill and Filing
care goals and values Insurance Claims
You may have health care goals and values Our staff will file claims for you with health
or spiritual beliefs that are important to care insurers or other programs such as
your well-being. They will be taken into Medicare and Medicaid. They also will help
account as much as possible throughout your doctor with needed documentation.
your hospital stay. Make sure your doctor, Hospital bills and insurance coverage are
your family and your care team know your often confusing. If you have questions about
wishes. your bill, contact our business office. If you
need help understanding your insurance
» Understanding who should make coverage or health plan, start with your
decisions when you cannot insurance company or health benefits man-
If you have signed a health care power of ager. If you do not have health coverage, we
attorney stating who should speak for you will try to help you and your family find
Reprinted with permission of the American Hospital Association, copyright © 2003
the patient magazine 2010 35
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