Patient's Bill of Rights

The Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University presents these patient rights as part of our effort to provide you with effective patient care. We believe that our patients will be more satisfied when they understand their rights and what they can expect from those who provide their care.

You as a patient should know

• You have a right to receive adequate and appropriate care based on accepted standards.
• You have a right to receive, in terms you can understand, information regarding your treatment including the risks, benefits, expected duration and outcomes and alternate treatment options, if any. There are only rare exceptions to this when the doctor determines that sharing such information with his/her patient is not in the patient’s best overall interest.
• You have a right to file a complaint if you don’t agree with your examination or treatments.
• You also have a right to refuse treatment to the extent allowed by law and to be informed about the consequences of that refusal.
• You have a right to know in advance about any experimental treatment proposed for you and can refuse to participate in the experiment without jeopardizing in any way your right to receive continuing treatment.
• MCO is a training facility making it likely that students will be involved in your care. Also, students in clinical training may observe the delivery of health care to you. If you object, no students except those involved in your care will be present during any procedure, examination, or consultation.
• Your medical records are confidential and will not be disclosed to a third party without your permission, except in accordance with HIPAA and Michigan law. As stated in HIPAA and only with your permission, we will obtain a signed patient authorization for treatment, payment, or health care operation.
• You have a right to inspect your medical records or to receive a copy of them for a reasonable fee. All you have to do is give us reasonable notice that you want to see them or ask us to make a copy and pay a reasonable per page copying charge.
• You have a right to expect a referral to another health care provider if such a referral is determined to be appropriate and in your best interest.
• You will not be denied appropriate care on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, handicap, marital status, sexual preference or source of payment.

Patient Responsibilities

• You are responsible for keeping your scheduled appointments on time and for giving us advance notice if you must cancel or reschedule.
• You are responsible for providing us with your current address and means of contact (such as home phone or cell phone).
• You are responsible for providing us with accurate and complete information about your health and your condition.
• You are responsible for taking an active part in decisions about your health care.
• You are responsible for maximizing your own healthy behaviors.
• You are responsible for showing courtesy and respect for other patients, families, staff, and visitors. This includes personal and eye center property.
• You are responsible for providing us with current information in a timely manner regarding other health insurance coverage(s) you have and for keeping yourself informed of your coverage, options, and policies.
• You are responsible for payment at the time of each visit for all services provided and not covered by an insurer.