Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Patient Rights:

  • To receive the best care available for your problem, without regard to national origin, race, age, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, disability, or illness.
  • To be treated with respect, consideration, and dignity. To expect that your personal convictions and beliefs will be taken into account when you seek help.
  • To know the identity and professional status of your medical provider.
  • To expect that your medical records will be kept confidential, and that access to information about you will be limited to those legitimately involved in your care. Your medical records will be released only in cases of medical emergencies, in response to court-ordered subpoenas, as required by law, or to persons you specify with your written consent. Please be aware that Virginia law requires parental access to medical records for patients less than 18 years of age, except in specific instances.
  • To receive information from your medical provider concerning your illness, condition, treatment, including possible side effects and plans for your care.
  • To participate in decisions involving your health care (including ethical concerns) and to review your records with a medical provider.
  • To have your privacy respected.
  • To agree to or refuse any health care service and to be informed of medical consequences of services refused.
  • To express grievances concerning your health care without fear of retribution.
  • To receive information regarding practice fees and payment policies upon request prior to services being rendered.
  • To give informed consent before any diagnostic or therapeutic procedure is performed (unless a life-threatening emergency precludes informed consent).

Patient Responsibilities:

  • To seek prompt medical attention.
  • To provide your medical provider with complete information regarding any health problems that you have had in the past and any medications or treatments that you are currently receiving.
  • To follow treatment plan recommended by your medical provider. To make it known if you do not understand the suggested procedures or treatment plans, or if you cannot read consent forms.
  • To note and report significant changes in symptoms, or a failure to improve.
  • To be respectful and considerate of other patients and practice staff.
  • To keep appointments that are scheduled, or cancel an appointment in a timely fashion.
  • To be responsible for your actions if you refuse treatment or do not follow the medical provider’s instructions.
  • To express grievances to the appropriate person and in a respectful manner.
  • To carry adequate health insurance, be familiar with policy coverage, and prepared to pay any copays, cost share or deductibles.
  • To take all prescribed medications as directed by your healthcare provider.
  • To pay any charges billed to you that are your responsibility.

At Virginia Beach Obstetrics and Gynecology, excellent patient care and patient satisfaction are our top priorities.  If at any time you have any questions or concerns about your rights and responsibilities, or about any aspect of your care, we encourage you to contact our Practice Administrator, Colleen Mathias, at (757) 425-1600.