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 Patient Rights and Responsibilities  

Student Health Service (SHS) provides quality health care regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or political affiliation. 

SHS is committed to providing quality health care to you.  We believe that quality health care results from collaboration between medical provider and patient.  Active participation in your health care is a responsibility that will assure the best outcomes.  

You have the right

  • to be treated in a civil manner with consideration, respect, and courtesy in all interactions 

  • to have accessibility to your medical visits in your primary language  

  • to have discussions, examinations, and treatments conducted in a private, safe environment 

  • to expect that protected health information (PHI) will be kept confidential per Gallaudet University, state, and federal regulations and released to a third party only with the patient’s written consent or if required by law  

  • to be informed of the identity and credentials of the health care professional providing services  

  • to actively participate in decisions concerning their health and the care they receive  

  • to a clear explanation of diagnosis, prognosis, methods of treatment, and alternatives to treatment  

  • to a clear explanation of tests ordered, the reason(s) for ordering them, and the benefits /risks of medications dispensed or prescribed  

  • to ask questions of their health care provider  

  • to be informed of personal responsibilities for medical treatment, and managing health and well-being after treatment  

  • to choose or change providers (depending on availability) within SHS 

  • to receive information on patient rights, patient responsibilities, services, hours of operation, and provisions for after-hours care and emergency coverage 

  • to receive information about and explanation of fees for services and payment policies 

  • to file a grievance or give feedback that you wish to communicate directly, please contact the Director of SHS, Dr. James Huang  OR Campus Services, Executive Director Davina Kwong.   

  • have access to information about Advance Directives*  

 

*An Advance Directive is a form that you fill out to describe the kinds of medical care you want to have if something happens to you and you can’t speak for yourself. It tells your family and your doctor what to do if you’re badly hurt or have a serious illness that keeps you from saying what you want. An advance directive can also be a talk you have with your family and your doctor about the kinds of care you want to have. 

For more information on advance directives go to https://prepareforyourcare.org/en/welcome or https://www.fivewishes.org/for-myself/  

You have the responsibility to:  

  • Seeking medical care soon after feeling ill so you do not put others at risk of becoming ill 

  • Allowing a reasonable amount of time when accessing services and arriving 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete paperwork or pre-exam procedures 

    • For example, do not schedule an appointment 15 minutes before a class or work 

  • Keeping your appointments or canceling/rescheduling as far in advance as possible, so that your appointment time may be given to another patient 

  • Abiding by the university’s health and safety directives while visiting the Student Health Center 

  • Presenting an ID card (or other form of photo identification) to Student Health Service staff at  check-in and carry a copy of your insurance card with you 

  • Checking and responding to secure message communications on the student health portal 

  • Having a basic understanding of the benefits of your insurance plan and contacting the member services department of that plan if you have questions 

  • Acting in a courteous manner, showing respect to health care personnel and other patients by refraining from eating, drinking, and using cell phones while in the health center 

  • Providing complete information about a health problem or illness to the medical provider, including accurate information about your medical history, allergies, or medications you are taking 

  • Ask questions to ensure that you understand your illness or problem and the recommended treatment. 

  • Securing prescription medications (in your possession), taking them as directed, and not sharing them with others  

  • Communicating with your health care provider if a condition worsens or does not follow the expected course  

  • Taking responsibility for actions and outcomes if you refuse treatment, care, or services or if you do not follow the health care professional’s instructions  

  • Completing patient feedback surveys  

Contact Us

Student Health Services

Peter J. Fine Health Center 314

(202) 921-6211

(202) 651-5090

(202) 651-5743

Monday
8 AM - 7 PM
Tuesday
8 AM - 7 PM
Wednesday
8 AM - 7 PM
Thursday
8 AM - 7 PM
Friday
8 AM - 7 PM
Saturday
10 AM - 4 PM
Sunday
Closed

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