As a patient of Hamilton Health Center (Hamilton) you have certain rights and responsibilities. A respectful relationship with your healthcare provider is the basis of good medical care. Copies of this statement are posted in our patient care waiting areas.
Hamilton Health Center Policy:
Hamilton seeks to provide quality health services to the community. We want to be your primary medical home. As your “medical home” Hamilton is your partner in your health care. Some activities to keep you well are:
• Completing an annual wellness check to identify health issues
• Using the patient portal to talk with providers and staff
• Working with other providers to meet your care needs
• Helping with specialty care and/or second opinions
• Contributing to your treatment plan.
YOU have the right to:
- Receive humane care and treatment, with respect and kindness.
- Receive care in the best language and learning level
- Be involved in all aspects of your care and to take part in decisions about your care.
- Treatment in a way that respects your culture, beliefs, values and preferences.
- Keeping your information private (unless its an emergency situation)
- Keeping your health records confidential
- Know about your care and refuse treatment. You may refuse treatment without effecting your ability for other care.
- Accurate information about your health, treatment, risks and outlook.
- Identify the individuals we may speak to about your care and condition.
- Ask about reasonable alternatives to care.
- A second expert opinion on one’s health care and treatment.
- Information about the type and schedule of services.
- Know the names and roles of the providers and staff that are caring for you.
- Create advance directive, which are legal papers that allow you to decide now what you want to happen if you are no longer able to make decisions about your care.
- Receive information about reduced fees for services based on income and family size
- Know about any legal reporting requirements about screening or care.
- File complaints with Hamilton or The Joint Commission without fear of harm.
- Obtain your medical information. You may request changes to this information.
YOU have the duty to:
- Provide information about the illness or problem for proper treatment.
- Participate in the development of your treatment plans.
- Ask questions to make sure you understand.
- Comply with the center’s no smoking and no cellphone policies.
- Supply proper papers for eligibility screenings.
- Communicate with care coordination staff for timely referrals.
- Show respect to health personnel, Hamilton staff, and other patients.
- Not conduct or engage in any illegal activity on Hamilton property. Doing so will result in contacting the police.
- Keep your appointments. If you cannot, then reschedule or cancel the appointment. Doing so allows us to see another patient.
- Pay bills or file health claims in a timely matter.
- Follow the instructions of the care/treatment plan designed for you.
- Use medications or devices for oneself only.
- Ask about the medications you are taking and why you are taking them.
- Let your provider know if you feel worse or if you have a reaction.
- Tell Hamilton staff of any changes to your information as soon as possible. This includes your telephone, address, or insurance.
Patients may be discharged from Hamilton if they abuse or threaten staff. Once discharged, the patient will not be able to receive care or make appointments. The management reviews cases of patients who show disrespect.
To file a concern about patient safety or a complaint about any aspect of care, treatment and services you may contact:
Hamilton Health’s Compliance Officer:
ComplianceOfficer@hamiltonhealthcenter.com or call (717)230-3992
Hamilton Health’s Patient Safety Officer: PatientSafetyOfficer@hamiltonhealthcenter.com
The Joint Commission at:
Mail: Office of Quality and Patient Safety – The Joint Commission, One Renaissance Boulevard, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181
Online: https://www.jointcommission.org/report_a_complaint.aspx