Patient Rights & Responsibilities

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.