Patients have a right to expect that an agency’s or institution’s policies and procedures will ensure certain rights and responsibilities for them. At all times, the patient has the right to the following:
To considerate, honest, respectful care, with attention given to privacy and maintenance of personal dignity, cultural and personal values and beliefs, and physical and developmental needs, regardless of the setting.
To be involved in decision-making and to participate actively, if so desired, in the testing process, assuming the patient is competent to make these choices.
To participate in the informed consent process before testing and to be told of the benefits, risks, and reasonable alternative approaches to tests ordered.
To be informed regarding test costs and reimbursement responsibility.
To refuse diagnostic testing.
To have ease in making an appointment.
To expect to have the support and presence of family or significant others, if so desired and appropriate, during the testing process.
To expect that standards of care will be followed by all personnel involved in the testing process and to eliminate duplication of testing and information.
To expect safe, skilled, quality care provided by trained personnel with expertise in their field.
To expect patient and family education and instructions regarding all phases of the testing process and procedure, including the nature and purpose of the test, pretest preparation, actual testing, posttest care benefits, risks, side effects, and complications. Information is provided in a sensitive and objective manner.
To expect to have access to test results and to be informed in a timely manner of test results and implications, treatment, and future testing if necessary.
To expect to be counseled appropriately regarding abnormal test outcomes as well as alternative options and available treatments.
To expect to have acceptable pain control and comfort measures provided throughout the testing process.
To expect that all verbal, written, and electronic communication; medical records; and healthcare record transfers will be accurate and confidential. Exception: When reporting of situation is required by law (e.g., certain infectious diseases, child abuse).
The patient has the following responsibilities:
To comply with test requirements (e.g., fasting, special preparations, medications, enemas) and to inform the healthcare provider if they are unable to do so.
To report active or chronic disease conditions that may alter test outcomes, be adversely affected by the testing process, or pose a risk to healthcare providers.
To keep appointments for diagnostic procedures and follow-up testing.
To disclose drug and alcohol use as well as use of supplements and herbal products despite being informed that these products could affect test outcomes (e.g., erroneous test results).
To disclose allergies and past history of sensitivity and complications or adverse reactions to tests (e.g., reaction to contrast materials or latex allergy).
To report any adverse effects attributed to tests and procedures after being advised regarding signs and symptoms of such.
To supply specimens that are their own.
To report visual or hearing impairments or inability to read, write, or understand English.
To report use of performance-enhancing drugs.
To inform tester if they do not understand testing, the necessity of the test, and their involvement in test process.