Legal Rights All Medical Patients Should Know

When you are in the position to receive medical care from professionals, you and the physician enter into a legal agreement.  The agreement involves the various elements it takes to provide thorough, proper, and respectful care of you as a patient. 

Deviation from the contract can result in injury or even death for the patient, making the agreement between a physician and a patient of vital importance. Many offices make use of services such as Providertech, that help simplify the overall process and keep the legal side of things from getting too confusing by keeping clear and open communication. Take a moment now to read through a few of the legal rights you have as a patient, and make certain you are getting the care you deserve.  

Right to be treated respectfully

You deserve respectful treatment, no matter your financial standing, race, medical issues, addictions, etc.  Medical professionals are under contract to treat all patients with respect, and it is contrary to the law to treat anyone with any less concern and care.  

If you feel you have been blatantly discriminated against by a medical professional, you could have a medical malpractice case on your hands.  Talk to a lawyer about the specifics of the scenario, and never settle for less than stellar medical care. If you are in the hospital due to a car accident you can go to coganpower.com for legal help.

Right to your medical records

Every piece of information recorded regarding your health is open access to you at all times.  There is no legal standing for withholding medical records from a patient, so stay in the know.  

Right to privacy in terms of medical records

Your medical records are also a very private matter, and the law provides protection for their security.  No one is allowed to know about your medical history or any current conditions without your explicit consent.  On the flip side, don’t get mad when doctors won’t share info with people who do not have written consent to access.  

Right to make decisions on treatment

So long as you are deemed of sound mind, you have a legal right to be a part of the decision-making process when it comes to your personal medical treatment.  The right to make decisions concerning treatment runs parallel with the right to informed consent.  

Right to refuse treatment

As a patient, you have the right to refuse treatment.  It may not be the best decision for your health, but you always have a legal right to tell the doctors no.  However, you could be forced into treatment when it concerns a matter of mental health.  

Right to informed consent

Your doctor has the legal responsibility to provide you with the best information possible concerning your treatment, so you know exactly what is happening throughout the process.  You should only provide your consent after the physician has told you all you need to know about the prospective procedure.  

Right to make decisions about end of life

When it comes to a terminal decision in your health, you have the right to make certain demands.  For instance, you can sign a DNR (do not resuscitate) order, and doctors will not try to revive you if you pass.