BridgeHealth International Clients’ and Traveling Patients’ Rights and Duties

Effective and seamless medical travel requires collaboration among clients, patients, physicians, and other healthcare professionals each step of the way. Open and honest communication, respect for personal and professional values, and sensitivity to differences are crucial. BridgeHealth strives to respect the rights and responsibilities of clients, patients, their families, physicians, and other caregivers, including patient decision-making regarding treatment and all aspects of care. We are sensitive to cultural, racial, linguistic, religious, age, gender, and disability matters.

With this in mind, BridgeHealth presents its Clients’ and Traveling Patient’s Rights and Duties with an aim toward maximizing effective care and support of BridgeHealth’s network of hospitals, medical staff, employees, and patients.

As a BridgeHealth client and traveling patient you have the right to:

• Receive clear, concise, and timely information about rights and duties, as well as the proper way to exercise them.
• Be informed of the first and last names, professional degree, and position occupied by the health staff providing care.
• Have all the necessary information required to give consent or deny authorization to receive a specific procedure or medical treatment.
• Receive, without any distinction whatsoever, dignified treatment: respect, consideration, and courtesy.
• Receive information with due diligence and efficiency.
• Accept or reject quotes and treatment plans.
• Have access to their files and receive a copy of the same, or authorize a third party access to their files by giving them respective legal authorization.
• Demand respect for the confidential nature of clinical history and all information concerning illness except when, by special law, notification must be made to health authorities.
• A timely, thorough and documented process for registering complaints.
• Receive a detailed statement of account with an explanation of all expenses incurred during treatment.
• Receive visits from family members or friends if desired, as long as health condition permits and vists are within established hours.

As a BridgeHealth client and traveling patient you have the duty to:

• Provide the most complete information possible on your state of health, previous illnesses, hospitalization stays, medications, or other conditions concerning your health.
• Participate in decisions about your choice of providers.
• Understand and comprehend what may happen if you refuse to follow health care instructions.
• Speak to your doctor or other health specialist if you wish to change doctors, specialists, or hospitals.
• Ask the doctor or health specialist when you do not understand information or instructions.
• Show respect and consideration to the staff providing you with care.
• Follow internal rules concerning smoking, noise, and visitor regulations in BridgeHealth provider facilities.
• Understand that the health services you receive must be paid for, and be willing to follow the established account payment procedures.
• Communicate as soon as possible any difficulties with paying for the services received.