Patient and Family Responsibilities

Patient and Family Responsibilities

The patient and, when appropriate, family members are responsible for:

  • Providing the physician and hospital staff accurate and complete information about the patient’s present medical problems, past illnesses and hospitalizations, medications, and other health-related matters.
  • Promptly reporting to the physician and hospital staff unexpected changes in the patient’s condition.
  • If you have questions as to why a test or procedure is being done, finding out why and making sure you ask for the results.
  • If you are having surgery, making sure you and your surgeon agree on exactly what will be done.
  • Making it known whether the patient understands the recommended course of treatment and what is expected by the physician and hospital staff. (A certified interpreter can be provided for the hearing impaired. Foreign language interpreters can be made available on an as-needed basis.) If you do not understand, please ask a member of your healthcare team.
  • Speaking up if you have questions or concerns. Every effort will be made to adapt your treatment plan to your specific needs and limitations.
  • Being considerate of the rights of other patients and the hospital staff.
  • Following the recommended treatment plan.
  • Acknowledging the consequences if the recommended treatment plan is not followed.
  • Following the hospital’s rules related to patient care, including control of noise, smoking, and number of visitors.
  • Being considerate of the property of other patients as well as the hospital.
  • Providing complete and accurate information about your insurance and ability to meet financial obligations.