Patient Rights & Responsibilities

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

Website: https://doh.wa.gov/about-us/programs-and-services/executive-office-prevention-safety-and-health/health-systems-quality-assurance

 

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