Your Rights As A Patient

As our patient, you deserve the very best healthcare. To help you, there are certain rights that you have as a St. Vincent Charity Hospital patient.

You have a right to:

• All appropriate treatment and services that the Hospital offers.
• Transfer to another medical facility when it is medically indicated.
• Enjoy welcoming, respectful, competent, comfortable and safe care.
• Express your spiritual and cultural beliefs as long as they do not present a danger to others.
• Pastoral Care that respects your religious beliefs.
• Effective pain management. Ask your nurse for details on a Pain Consult.
• Confidentiality regarding your medical care and records.
• Participate in making healthcare decisions with your doctor. Other family members may help you make these decisions, too.
• Participate in considering ethical issues regarding your care. You may request advice from the Hospital Ethics Committee through your nurse or call extension 33312 on your Hospital phone. 
• Accept or refuse treatment and be told about the consequences of refusing treatment.
• Learn about experimental or educational activities involving your care. You can choose or refuse to be part of these activities. If you refuse, it will not affect your access to services. 
• Receive respectful, responsive care maintaining your comfort and dignity if death approaches.
• Know the names and roles of those caring for you. 
• Communication assistance if you do not speak English, or if you have a physical disability.
• Examine your bill and receive a full explanation of the costs.  A copy of your finalized medical record after you have been discharged (Release Form and fee required).
• Access to protective services when necessary. 
• Receive a copy of your rights and responsibilities. Please contact a Patient Representative if you need further explanations at 32604. 
• Create an Advance Directive – a Living Will/Durable Power of Attorney for healthcare.

If you have any questions or concerns during your stay, please contact our Patient Advocate at extension 32604 on your Hospital room phone.

Patient Responsibilities

In order for our staff to help you, there are certain responsibilities that you have as a patient.

We can partner with your provider to ensure the best care possible if you:

• Answer questions about your personal health and health history completely.
• Cooperate with your doctor(s) and staff in your diagnosis and treatment.
• Ask questions when you do not understand something regarding your health or care.
• Follow instructions and medical orders.
• Follow St. Vincent Charity Hospital rules regarding patient care, i.e.: excess noise, smoking, and visitation policies.
• Give the necessary information so that insurance claims can be processed.
• Meet any financial obligations for your care as soon as possible.

Your Patient Rights and Responsibilities

It is our goal to provide you the very best care and service. You have the right to direct any concerns about your care to anyone you believe appropriate. We suggest that you contact either the Nurse Manager (inpatients) or the Patient Representative at 216.363.2604 (inpatients may dial x32604 from their hospital rooms).

You also have the right, if you choose, to contact the Ohio Department of Health or if you are a Medicare beneficiary, you may contact the Peer Review Organization, KePRO, Inc. The address and telephone numbers are:

The Ohio Department of Health Complaint Department

246 North High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43266
1.800.342.0553

KePRO

Rock Run Center, #100
5700 Lombardo Center Drive
Seven Hills, Ohio 44131
216.447.9604