Patient Rights and Responsibilities

As a Raphael Health Center patient, you have the right:

  • To receive considerate and respectful care regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, language spoken, or financial status.

  • To appropriate access to routine, primary, and preventative care, and referrals to specialty and emergency care.

  • To make informed decisions regarding your health care, to choose your medical provider and referral facility.

  • To have reasonable continuity of health care. Any referral will be discussed with you and the results of the consultation will be kept in your medical record.

  • To be aware of and involved in decisions regarding your health care.

  • To privacy and confidentiality concerning your health care program. You must give written consent for any information regarding your health care to be shared with any outside agencies or persons, except when required by law or in the case of a medical emergency. You can request that your record be amended.

  • To access your records, to review complete and current information concerning your diagnosis, treatment, and progress in terms you can understand.

  • To obtain information about specific tests or procedures to the extent permitted by law and to be informed of these results.

  • To refuse any treatment to the extent permitted by law and to be informed of the medical consequences of that action. Further, no medical research will be performed on any patient without that person’s knowledge and written permission.

  • To be aware of fee schedules. To examine and receive an explanation of your bill for services.

  • To a fair and efficient grievance process.

As a patient at Raphael Health Center, you are responsible for:

  • Keeping your appointment, arriving on time and/or calling to cancel any scheduled appointments you are unable to keep except in emergencies and with a two-hour advance notice.

  • Giving truthful information to the provider of your care to the best of your ability.

  • Following the treatment plan that is developed. You are encouraged to ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

  • Payment of your bill and requesting assistance if you are unable to do so.

  • Keeping records up-to-date as to any changes in financial status, family situation, residence, phone number, or changes in your insurance, including Medicare or Medicaid coverage.

  • Following safety rules. Smoking, weapons, and firearms are not allowed on the premises. You are responsible for your conduct and for that of anyone accompanying you to Raphael.

    We understand that there are times in all of our lives when we face personal hardships. These times may cause us to express ourselves in a different manner than we know is appropriate and step out of character as well. However, Raphael cannot allow staff or patients to contribute to an unsafe environment.

    Such behavior may lead to a required contract to continue care at RHC, or dismissal from the Health Center. Raphael Health Center does not tolerate its staff, visitors, or other patients to be in an unsafe or threatening environment.

  • We understand that there are times in all of our lives when we face personal hardships. These times may cause us to express ourselves in a different manner than we know is appropriate. However, Raphael cannot allow staff or patients to contribute to an unsafe environment.

  • Such behavior may lead to a required contract to continue care at RHC, or dismissal form the Health Center. Raphael Health Center does not tolerate its staff, visitors, or other patients to be in an unsafe or threatening environment.

  • Bringing your photo ID and insurance card to each visit.