The medical staff of Western Washington Medical Group has adopted the following list of patient rights and responsibilities. This list shall include, but is not limited to:
The Right To:
- Exercise your rights without fear of discrimination, reprisal, abuse or harassment.
- Be treated with respect, consideration and dignity.
- Know the name and professional status of those caring for you.
- Clear and complete information concerning your condition and care, significant risks involved, reasonable medical alternatives, and a prediction of the effect on you. When it is medically inadvisable to give such information, the information is provided to a person designated by you or to a legally authorized person.
- Personal privacy and confidentiality of information, and, except when required by law, the opportunity to approve or refuse the release of disclosures of medical information.
- Seek another medical opinion or change medical providers, refuse treatment or leave even if this is against medical advice.
- Receive a copy of your bill and an explanation of the charges, regardless of source of payment.
- Express any comments or complaints about your care and to receive a response from us without impacting the quality of your care.
- Report or contact the listed agencies at the bottom of this page*. For additional contact information, please visit our Contact page.
The Responsibility To:
- Actively participate in decisions involving your care and treatment.
- Be as accurate and complete as possible when providing information about your medical history, allergies, sensitivities and all medications you are taking.
- Cooperate fully on mutually accepted courses of treatment or notify your physician if you do not wish to follow his or her advice or instructions.
- Inform your physician, nurse or medical assistant if you do not understand the plan of treatment and what is expected of you.
- Notify your healthcare provider if you notice any changes in your health.
- Act in a considerate and cooperative manner and respect the rights and property of others. Abusive, threatening or inappropriate language or behavior will not be allowed or tolerated.
- Accept personal financial responsibility in payment of your bill.
* Government Agencies:
Washington State Department of Health
HSQA (Health Systems Quality Assurance):
Complaint Intake P.O. Box 47857
Olympia, WA 98504-7857
Phone: 360-236-4700
Toll Free: 800-633-6828 Fax: 360-236-2626
Email: mailto:HSQAComplaintIntake@doh.wa.gov
Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
Office of the Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman:
Medicare Help and Support: 1-800-MEDICARE
Website: https://www.cms.gov/center/special-topic/ombudsman/medicare-beneficiary-ombudsman-home