If a patient should provide his/her advance directive a copy will be placed on the patient’s medical record and transferred with the patient should a hospital transfer be ordered by his/ her physician.

In the event a life threatening emergency occurs, the center will implement the following on all patients:

• Perform emergency procedures, as necessary to stabilize the patient.
• Transfer the patient to an acute health care facility where the physician and family can make an informed decision regarding the patient’s well-being.
• If, at anytime during the patients stay, the patient, family and/or physician does not agree with the policies of the Center regarding Advance Directives and/or Living Wills arrangements will be made to provide care in another location or by  another practitioner without discrimination or malice toward the center, its staff, the physicians or the patient and family.

Patient Grievances:
The patient and family are encouraged to help the facility improve its understanding of the patient’s environment by providing feedback, suggestions, comments and/or complaints regarding the service needs, and expectations.

A complaint or grievance should be registered by contacting the center and/or a patient advocate at the Pennsylvania Department of Health or Medicare (numbers provided in this flyer). The surgery center will respond in writing with notice of how the grievance has been addressed.

Contacts:
Saint Vincent Endoscopy Center, LLC
Center Administrator
2501 West 12th Street Suite 8
Erie, PA 16505
833-0071

Pennsylvania Department of Health
Hotline: 1-877-724-3258
www.dos.state.pa.us

Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman
1-800-MEDICARE
(1-800-633-4227)
www.medicare.gov/Ombudsman/resources.asp

Patient Responsibilities

The care a patient receives depends partially on the patient. Therefore, in addition to these rights, a patient has certain responsibilities that are presented to the patient in the spirit of mutual trust and respect. Patient Responsibilities require the patient to:

• Follow Directions – The patient is responsible for following any directions given pre-procedure & any written instructions given at discharge.
• Ask Questions – the patient is encouraged to ask all questions of the physician & staff in order that they have
  full knowledge of the procedure & after care.
• Follow the treatment plan prescribed by his/her provider, & follow the policies & procedures of the facility.
• Keep appointments and notify center or physician when unable to do so.
• Be respectful of all the health care providers and staff, as well as other patients.
• Provide a responsible adult to transport him/her home from the facility and remain with him/her for 24 hours, if required by his/her provider.
• Accept responsibility for his/her actions should he/she refuse treatment or not follow his/her physician’s orders.
• Provide accurate information to the best of his/her ability about his/her health, any medications, including over the counter products and dietary supplements and any allergies or sensitivities.
• Accept personal financial responsibility for any charges not covered by his/her insurance.

Rights of Patients

The following list of patient rights is not intended to be all inclusive. Patients receiving care at our center have a right to:

• Be treated with respect, consideration and dignity for both property & person.
• Exercise these rights and treated without discrimination based upon age, gender, race, disability, cultural, economic, educational or religious background and without fear of discrimination or reprisal.
• A patient has a right to know what ASF rules and regulations apply to his conduct as a patient.
• Be treated in a safe environment that is free of physical or psychological threats.
• Quality care & services delivered pursuant to high professional standards that are continually maintained and reviewed.
• The patient has the right to expect emergency procedures to be implemented without unnecessary delay. When an emergency occurs and a patient is transferred to another facility, the responsible person shall be notified. The institution to which the patient is to be transferred shall be notified prior to the patient’s transfer.
• Any patient who does not speak English will have access where possible to an interpreter.
• Be provided appropriate privacy and confidentiality concerning their medical care. The patient has the right to be advised as to the reason for the presence of any individual directly involved or observing their care
• Be free of restraint except when indicated to protect the patient or others from injury.
• Have their questions, concerns or complaints addressed in good faith.
• Expect continuity of care. The patient will not be discharged or transferred to another facility without prior notice, except in the case of a medical emergency and within the limits of legal regulations.
• A patient has a right to expect that the ASF will provide information for continuing healthcare requirements following discharge and the means for meeting them.
• Provisions for after-hour and emergency care.
• Access necessary surgical and/or procedural interventions that are medically indicated.
• The patient has the right to actively participate in decisions about his/her care. Except for emergencies, the practitioner shall obtain the necessary informed consent prior to the start of the procedure.
• Be provided, to the degree known, in layman’s terms, complete and timely information concerning their diagnosis, evaluation, treatment and prognosis. When it is not medically advisable to give such information to a patient, the information shall be given on his behalf to a responsible person.
• Make choices and decisions regarding their medical care to the extent permitted by law - this includes the right to refuse treatment, drugs or procedures, A practitioner shall inform the patient of the medical consequence of the patient’s refusal for drugs or procedures.
• Formulate advance directives and appoint a surrogate to make health care decisions on their behalf to the extent permitted by law. The provision of the patient’s care shall not be conditioned on the existence of an advance directive. (please see the center’s policy on advanced directives)
• Have their disclosures and records treated confidentially, and given the opportunity to approve or refuse their release, except when release is required by law or third party contractual arrangements.
• Receive, on request, and at a reasonable fee, a copy of their medical record
• Know the services available at the organization. The patient is to be informed of his rights at the time of admission.
• Know the facility fees for services. The patient has the right to examine and receive a detailed explanation of his bill.
• Refuse to participate in a research project.
• Know the identity, professional status, institutional affiliation and credentials of health care professionals providing their care, and be assured these individuals have been appropriately credentialed according to the policies of the center.
• Change their provider if other qualified providers are available.
• Be provided with appropriate information regarding the absence of malpractice insurance coverage.
• Be informed about procedures for expressing suggestions, complaints and grievances, including those required by state and federal regulations.
• The patient has the right to expect good management techniques to be implemented within the ASF. These techniques shall make effective use of the time of the patient and avoid personal discomfort of the patient.

Patient Guardian

The patient’s guardian, next of kin, or legally authorized responsible person has the right to exercise the rights delineated on the patient’s behalf, to the extent permitted by law, if the patient:

• Has been adjudicated incompetent in accordance with the law.
• Has designated a legal representative to act on their behalf.
• Is a minor.

Physician Participation

Your Physician may have financial interest in the Center.