Patient Rights

Augusta Surgical Center would like to assure you of your rights and responsibilities as a patient.
You have the right to:

• Considerate, respectful & dignified care provided in a safe environment, free from all forms of abuse, neglect, harassment and/or exploitation.
• Personal & informal privacy, within the law.
• Information concerning your diagnosis, treatment & prognosis, to the degree known in a language or manner you understand, or to an individual designated by you or to a legally authorized individual as part of the informed consent process.
• Appropriate assessment & management of pain.
• The opportunity to participate in decisions involving your health care, unless contraindicated by concerns of your health.
• Impartial access to treatment regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, handicap or disability.
• Be advised & refuse to participate in any research without risk of compromising your right to access care, treatment and/or services.
• Know the identity & professional status of individuals providing service.
• Request a change in providers of care if other qualified providers are available.

Patient Complaint Or Grievance

Augusta Surgical Center will promptly review, investigate & resolve any patient grievances or complaints in a timely manner. If you feel you may have an issue, we provide you with the following contact information: Augusta Surgical Center, 915 Russell Street
Augusta, GA 30904 Attention: Administrator

Composite State Board of Medical Examiners
2 Peachtree Street, NW, 10th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303-3465
404-656-3913
http://medicalboard.georgia.gov

Office of Regulatory Services
Department of Healthcare Resources
2 Peachtree Street, Suite 33.250
Atlanta, GA 30303-3142
404-657-6487
http://ors.dhr.georgia.gov/portal/site/DHR-ORS/

All Medicare beneficiaries may also file a complaint or grievance with the Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman. Visit the Ombudsman’s webpage at:
www.cms.hhs.gov/center/ombudsman.asp

Patient Responsibilities

You are responsible for:

• Providing accurate complete information regarding your present health status (including past & present prescription, herbal, over the counter and supplement medications), past medical history, & for reporting any unexpected changes to the appropriate practitioner(s).
• Following the treatment plan recommended by the primary practitioner.
• Following the rules & regulations of the facility affecting patient care & conduct.
• In the case of a pediatric patient, a parent or guardian is to remain in the facility for the duration of the patient’s stay in the facility.
• Being considerate & respectful of the rights of other patients & facility personnel.
• Providing a responsible adult to transport you home after surgery & an adult to be responsible for you at home for the first 24 hours after surgery/anesthesia.
• Indicating whether you clearly understand a contemplated course of action & what is expected of you.
• Your actions if you refuse treatment, leave the facility against the advice of the practitioner and/or do not follow the practitioner’s instructions relating to care.
• Assuring financial obligations of your health care are fulfilled as expediently as possible.

Privacy & Confidentiality

Augusta Surgical Center complies with federal HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act) regulations to maintain the privacy of your health information.

Advanced Directive

Augusta Surgical Center is not an acute care facility; therefore regardless of the contents of any advanced directive or instructions from a health care surrogate or attorney, if an adverse event occurs during your treatment, we will initiate resuscitative or any other stabilizing measures & transfer you to an acute care setting for further evaluation. Your agreement with this policy does not revoke or invalidate any current health care directives or health care power of attorney. It is your responsibility to inform our center of detailed information concerning any Advanced Directive.

Consultation

The patient, at his/her own request & expense, has the right to consult with a specialist.

Disclosure Of Ownership

• Physician has a financial interest in this facility.
• Physician does not have a financial interest in this facility.