8/2/2025

KNOW YOUR HEALTH CARE RIGHTS

Understanding your healthcare rights is crucial for making informed decisions about your health and ensuring you receive appropriate care. These rights include the right to be treated with respect, the right to make informed decisions about your treatment, the right to privacy and confidentiality, and the right to access your medical records. Additionally, you have the right to language assistance, to be free from discrimination, and to file complaints if you believe your rights have been violated. 

Key Rights to Know:

• Right to Respect and Dignity:

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  You have the right to be treated with courtesy, dignity, and respect by all healthcare providers and staff. 

• Right to Informed Consent:

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  You have the right to understand your diagnosis, treatment options, potential risks and benefits, and costs associated with each option before making a decision. 

• Right to Privacy and Confidentiality:

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  Your medical information should be kept private and confidential, and you have the right to control how it is used and shared. 

• Right to Access Medical Records:

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  You have the right to access your medical records, review them, and request corrections if needed. 

• Right to Language Assistance:

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  You have the right to receive information and communicate with your healthcare providers in a language you understand, including access to interpreters when needed. 

• Right to be Free from Discrimination:

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  You have the right to receive healthcare services without discrimination based on your race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or other protected characteristics. 

• Right to File Complaints:

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  If you believe your rights have been violated, you have the right to file a complaint with your healthcare provider, insurance company, or the relevant regulatory body. 

• Right to Make Decisions:

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  You have the right to make informed decisions about your healthcare, including the right to refuse treatment. 

• Right to Advance Directives:

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  You have the right to create advance directives, such as a living will or durable power of attorney for healthcare, to guide your healthcare decisions if you become unable to make them yourself. 

• Right to Continuity of Care:

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  You have the right to have your healthcare records coordinated and transferred if you choose to seek care from another provider or facility. 

Where to Find More Information:

• Your Healthcare Provider:

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  Your doctor or hospital can provide information about your specific patient rights and responsibilities. 

• Your Health Insurance Company:

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  Your insurance company can provide information about your coverage, access to care, and complaint procedures. 

• Government Agencies:

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  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) offer resources and information on patient rights and healthcare laws. 

• Patient Advocacy Organizations:

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  Organizations like the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Joint Commission offer resources and guidance on patient rights. 

• State and Local Health Departments:

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  Your state or local health department can provide information about patient rights and resources specific to your area. 

8/11/2025

Challenges in Today’s Healthcare Industry—and How Can a Patient Advocate Help?

Challenges Facing the Modern Healthcare Industry
The healthcare system today faces a complex set of challenges affecting both patients and providers:

1. Soaring Costs

   • Rising expenses: U.S. healthcare spending continues to climb, placing financial strain on individuals, families, and the system as a whole.

   • Lack of price transparency: Patients often receive little to no upfront information about costs, resulting in surprise bills.

   • Inefficient billing systems: Complicated billing and payment processes can confuse patients and make it difficult to manage medical expenses (PrognoCIS EHR).

2. Workforce Shortages

   • Burnout and workload issues: The demand for care is outpacing available staff, leading to exhaustion among healthcare professionals (Oracle).

   • Uneven distribution of providers: Rural and underserved areas struggle to recruit and retain healthcare workers, worsening health disparities.

3. Communication Barriers

   • Language and cultural differences: These can hinder clear communication, potentially causing misunderstandings or errors.

   • Low health literacy: Many patients have difficulty understanding medical terms and instructions, limiting their ability to make informed decisions.

   • Time constraints: Providers may have limited time for each patient, leading to rushed visits and missed information.

4. Navigating a Complex System

   • The healthcare system is difficult to navigate, especially when coordinating multiple specialists or understanding insurance coverage.

   • Fragmented care: Patients may see providers in different locations without clear communication between them, leading to gaps in treatment.

5. Technology & Cybersecurity Challenges

   • Integration issues: New technology can be difficult to implement effectively (FieldCircle).

   • Data protection concerns: Safeguarding patient information from cyber threats is an ongoing challenge.

How Patient Advocacy Helps
Patient advocates can help bridge these gaps by:

• Navigating the system: Scheduling appointments, finding the right providers, and coordinating care.

• Improving communication: Acting as a liaison to ensure patients fully understand their options and care plans (Guideway Care).

• Protecting patient rights: Ensuring voices are heard and preferences respected.

• Enhancing patient safety: Helping to reduce the risk of medical errors (Solace Health).

• Empowering informed decisions: Explaining diagnoses, treatment choices, risks, and benefits (Guideway Care).

• Providing financial and insurance support: Assisting with billing, claims, and access to financial aid (Solace Health).

Bottom line: Patient advocates empower individuals to take an active role in their healthcare, leading to better communication, improved outcomes, and a more patient-centered system (Guideway Care