Rights
As a patient in the dialysis unit, you have the right to:
- Receive respect and dignity based on his or her needs, psychological status and coping ability.
- Be given information in a way that is understandable.
- personal privacy and confidentiality.
- privacy and confidentiality of medical records.
- be informed, participate in, refuse, or discontinue all aspects of dialysis care.
- establish or refuse an Advance Directive and be advised of the facility policy regarding Advance Directive.
- be informed about all ESRD treatment modalities: hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and transplant.
- receive a treatment schedule change to accommodate a work schedule.
- be informed about all services available in the dialysis facility and the cost of services not covered by Medicare.
- receive services as ordered in the Patient Plan of Care.
- be informed of rules regarding conduct, behavior and responsibilities.
- be informed about the facilities' complaint process.
- be informed about external complaint processes: ESRD Network and State Survey Agency.
- file a complaint of any type without reprisal or denial of services.
- be informed that any type of complaint can be filed anonymously or through a third party representative of the patient's choosing.
Responsibilities
As a patient in the dialysis unit, you have the responsibility to:
- treat fellow patients and staff as you would like to be treated—with respect.
- follow the rules of the dialysis unit.
- tell your healthcare team if you don’t understand your medical condition or treatment plan.
- be on time for your treatments or visits with your doctor.
- tell the staff at the center if you know that you’re going to be late or miss a treatment or visit with your doctor.
- inform your doctor, social worker, etc. about your medical history.
- tell your healthcare team if you refuse any treatment or medicine that your doctor has ordered for you.
- tell your health care team if you have medical problems, are going to the dentist, are being treated by another doctor, or have recently been to the hospital.
- pay your bills on time. If this is difficult you can inquire about a payment plan.
- get to and from the center for your treatments. You can talk with your social worker if you need help doing this. Medicare does not pay for routine transportation.
- indicate your refusal of an advance directive in writing.
- learn what an emergency is and what actions must be taken in emergency situations.
If referred for transplant, you have the responsibility to:
- take the necessary steps prior to receiving a transplant to aid your body in accepting the transplant.
- inform your doctor, transplant coordinator, transplant social worker, etc. about your medical history.