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.