THE PHYSICIAN'S RIGHTS:
1. FULL DISCLOSURE BY THE PATIENT OF ALL DATA PERTINENT TO THE
PRESENTING COMPLAINTS. Only with full information can the physician
request certain tests, make a diagnosis, and recommend treatment in
an intelligent and informed way.
2. HAVE ADEQUATE TIME FOR A FULL PATIENT EVALUATION AND NECESARY
TESTS BEFORE MAKING A DIAGNOSIS OR STARTING THERAPY. When you call
for an appointment, the doctor may be booked up for days in
advance. You will be scheduled for a time that will allow a full
evaluation to be done. It is unfair to yourself and to other
scheduled patients to demant to be seen sooner. If you have severe
pain or serious symptoms, let the doctor's office know and you will
be seen as an emergency. Tests or follow-up visits may be scheduled
up to a few weeks in advance. Before the test results are in, the
doctor may not have enough information to make a diagnosis or start
therapy; it takes time to receive test results.
3. PROMPT NOTIFICATION OF WORSENING OR CHANGE IN SYMPTOMS,
REACTIONS TO MEDICATIONS, OR OTHER HEALTH-RELATED ITEMS. It is
often impossible for the doctor to predict in advance any adverse
side-effects or directions your illness make take. To ensure
appropriate therapy and treatment, you must maintain a good line of
communication with your doctor.
4. ACT PROFESSIONALLY IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE PATIENT.
Sometimes, what the patient wants and what the doctor thinks is in
the patient's best interest are different. Don't expect the doctor
to do something that he feels is morally wrong, professionally
compromising, or illegal, or which he feels may harm you. If such a
conflict arises, it is usually best for the doctor to withdraw from
your care or for you to find another doctor who's ideas are more in
line with your own.
5. WITHDRAW FROM THE CARE OF A PATIENT WITH WHOM A PERSONALITY
CONFLICT OR EMOTIONAL INVOLVEMENT EXISTS OR WHO REFUSES TO FOLLOW
HIS RECOMMENDATIONS. Doctors can experience feelings or anger or
unresolvable personality conflicts with patients. Or the doctor may
feel he is becoming too emotionally involved in a case or is unable
to deliver care objectively. Noncompliance by a patient may also
cause feelings of frustration and anger which may make it
impossible for the doctor to deliver good care. The physician has
the same rights as the patient to end an unsatisfactory
relationship which no longer serves either party. If, however, the
physician decides to sever a relationship, he should offer to
arrange for continuing care by another physician for urgent
problems, at least temporarily, and make available the medical
records.
6. EFFICIENT USE OF TIME. Doctors schedule patients closely and
often are heavily booked. Just as you would expect someone viting
you for a specific reason to come prepared, you should organize
your thoughts, think about the specifics of your symptoms, and
carefully write down your questions about your problem. Not only
does this make time spent with the doctor more efficient, your
thoughts and questions are also organized, and you are more likely
to gain a better understanding of your illness. You will remember
more of what your doctor tells you and will make fewer phone calls
between visits for clarification.
7. RECEIVE PROMPT PAYMENT FOR SERVICES. Nothing can destroy a
relationship as quickly as hassles over money. You should obtain
information in advance about the projected fees; once you know the
charges and have decided to use the services of the doctor, you
have the same obligation as you would at the grocery story to pay
promptly. The physician, in turn, has bills to pay. Often
physicians will adjust fees according to the person's ability to
pay and will also assist in filing (or actually submit) insurance
claims for you.
8. BE FREE FROM PATIENT RESPONSIBLITY WHEN NOT IN THE OFFICE OR
ON CALL. The doctor has a personal life. When he is not in the
office or on call, he is off duty and you should respect that. It
is unfair to expect the doctor to be available for you at night, on
weekends, and at other private times. To calm your fears about his
covering physicians when he is not available, ask to meet and talk
with them. Your medical records should be available to the covering
physicians if you have an emergent problem.
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