The Importance of Knowing Your Rights as a Medical Patient

Having worked as a Patient Advocate in both an outpatient facility and within a hospital, it was eye-opening to me how many patients and their families have issues that need to be addressed on a daily basis. Some of the problems patients or their families bring to the attention of the patient advocate are easy to solve, such as food that comes to the room cold, or heating or air conditioning problems. Some issues, however, are not so mundane, and can affect the overall care and feeling of security on the part of the hospital patient. Because of the state of health care today, with doctors having a large patient load, and a shortage of nurses nationwide, it is particularly important that all patients, but particularly seniors, understand their rights as patients, and exercise those rights.

Judging from some of the elders in my family, who are generally informed and "with it", there is still the perception of the doctor as being all-knowing, and there is fear of questioning the doctor on important issues of care and medication. Today, medical information is open to patients, and it is important that you educate yourself about your condition, and ask questions about your tests, treatment, and your medication. Following are guidelines for outpatients and hospital patients to ensure that you receive the best care possible.

WHILE YOU ARE IN THE HOSPITAL