Our Policies
You’re Rights as a Patient
It is the policy of The Bowen Center for Women’s Health to place patients’ wishes and individual considerations at the forefront of your care and to respect and uphold those wishes. We provide the following information to all patients as part of our belief that the patient should be fully informed of her rights. This information is not related to your diagnosis and is meant to make you aware of your health care options.
As a means of communicating to all caregivers, the patient’s wishes regarding healthcare are documented in the medical record by the physicians and staff caring for the patient. If a patient has a living will or has appointed a health care agent for health care decision-making and is no longer able to express her wishes to the staff, The Bowen Center is committed to honoring the wishes of the patient as they are documented at the time the patient was able to make that determination.
Discussions with Your Physician
Adults often make health care decisions during discussions with their physicians. The physician describes the options and explains the benefits and risks of each, but the patient makes the final decision. The same process can be used to decide about the possible use of life-sustaining treatment- what kind of medical interventions you want given, based on particular situations that might occur. For example, you might decide in this way about the use of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). If your decision is written in your medical record, it is legally binding and must be honored by your health care providers. You should look at what is written down to make certain that it reflects your wishes.
Patient Rights and Responsibilities
You have the right to:
- Receive consideration and respect by the staff during every phase of your care.
- Be treated with dignity, respecting your spiritual, cultural, beliefs and personal values.
- Have respect for your privacy and for the confidentiality of information about you and your medical condition.
- Be involved in decisions affecting your health care and well-being.
- Know the name of the physician responsible for directing and coordinating your care as well as the names of other caregivers.
- Be informed about procedures and treatment and to refuse treatment as permitted by law.
- Have questions answered about your condition and course of treatment.
- Expect that health care professionals will accept and act upon your reports of pain and will provide education and resources available relating to pain management.
- Be informed of available facilities to which you may be transferred with your consent.
- Have your requests handled courteously.
- Be informed of available resources resolving disputes, grievances and conflicts.
- Receive a written bill stating The Bowen Center for Women’s Health charges.
You have the responsibility to:
- Provide, to the best of your ability, accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications and other matters relating to your health. We ask that patients and their families report perceived risks in their care and unexpected changes in their condition. It is helpful for us to understand your environment by providing feedback about service needs and expectations.
- Ask questions and request clear expectations of your care, treatments and service in order to make informed decisions.
- Follow the care, treatment and service plan developed. Please express any concerns about your ability to follow the proposed care plan or course of care, treatment and services. The Bowen Center will make every effort to adapt the plan to your specific need and limitations. When such adaptations to the care, treatment and service plan are not recommended, you will be informed of the risks of these alternatives.
- Be responsible for the outcomes if you do not follow the care, treatment and service plan provided to you.
- Provide a copy of your advance directives, if you have created such documents, to those responsible for your care.
- Know and follow The Bowen Center for Women’s Health policies for care, showing respect and consideration for the individuals providing your health care.
- Meet the financial commitments made with The Bowen Center for Women’s Health.
- Inform The Bowen Center for Women’s Health as soon as possible if you believe that any of your rights have been or may be violated.
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