PATIENTS: Have the right to be treated courteously and respectfully as human beings, not diseases.  They have the right to be informed in non-technical language what is wrong, what treatments are proposed, what the side effects may be, and what alternatives are possible.  They have the right to have family members or friends present at any visit and may tape record or take notes at any time (particularly useful for consultations).   If patients do not speak English well, they should have a translator present.  All medical records are treated as confidential; when requested, however, patients may view their own records.  Patients have a right to expect professional conduct from our office which includes being seen, emergencies permitting, within a reasonable time of the scheduled appointment.  Patients have a right to refuse treatment which they do not feel is right for them without prejudicing their other care.  They are encouraged to discuss with their physicians their views on advanced directives and limitations on life support.
 
PHYSICIANS & STAFF: Have the right to be treated courteously and respectfully as human beings.  They are human beings and are not perfect, even though they do the best job they can.  They have the right to expect cooperation from patients and families in order to provide care.   Because there are other patients who need attention, they have the obligation to limit social conversations that interfere with patient care.  They have a right to expect patients to keep track of and be on time for appointments.  They have a right to be paid for their services in accord with insurance contracts or individual agreements.