Patient Rights and Responsibilities - Student Health Center

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Patient

At University of Utah Student Health Center, our goal is to provide excellent health care to every patient. Our patients have the following rights and responsibilities regardless of race, color, culture, language, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socioeconomic status, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, and/or veteran status.

You Have The RIGHT . . .

To considerate, respectful, individualized care, that includes your developmental, spiritual, cultural, emotional and physical needs. We will be readily available to provide services for you, or will make suitable arrangements for replacement. A list is available for care options, which may be utilized for acute or urgent problems when the Student Health Center is closed.
To participate in decisions about your care. We will inform you of the nature of your illness. We will actively involve and inform you about the necessity and purpose of referrals, diagnostic procedures and any follow-up care required. You may consent to, or refuse, any care or treatment to the extent permitted by law and clinic policy. In the case of such refusal, you are entitled to other appropriate care and services that the clinic provides.
To choose or request a primary health care provider within the Student Health Center. You may change providers or seek a second opinion from another provider within SHC. You may seek consultation outside of SHC, however any charges incurred will be your financial responsibility.
To receive confidential treatment of disclosures and medical records, except as required by law or by contract with your insurance company. You have the right to every consideration of privacy. Case discussion, consultation, examination and treatment will be conducted so as to protect each patient’s privacy.
To know the identity and credentials of the individuals who are providing your care, including when those involved are students, residents or other trainees.
To obtain relevant, current and understandable information, to the extent know, concerning diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. You are entitled to the opportunity to discuss and request information related to the specific procedures and/or treatments, the risks and benefits involved, and the medically reasonable alternatives. We will make every effort to adapt your treatment plan to your specific needs and limitations.
To be seen within a reasonable amount of time, giving consideration to emergencies and critical illness.
To be informed about services and related costs.
To receive appropriate referrals to other providers and services.
To review your medical records with a clinician, and to have the information explained or interpreted as necessary, except when restricted by law.
To expect reasonable continuity of care when appropriate. We will provide pertinent information to other professionals involved with your care, upon written consent from you for release of confidential information.
To expect SHC to maintain an emphasis on quality, affordable health care services and adequate access to care.
To voice any grievance and/or suggestion without fear of discrimination or compromised future services.

You Also Have the RESPONSIBILITY . . .

To seek medical attention promptly.
To utilize health care services responsibly. Those purchasing the student insurance will read the student insurance booklet carefully and seek answers to any coverage questions prior to its purchase.
You have the responsibility to understand and abide by the terms and limits of your insurance policy.
To check-in to the clinic 15 minutes prior to all appointments, unless reasonable notice of inability to do so has been given. A late check-in may necessitate rescheduling. You must give one hour’s advance notice of cancellation, or be charged a $20 missed appointment fee.
To utilize appointment time appropriately and recognize the limitations of the provider to address additional concerns that were not disclosed at the time your appointment was made. Providers may suggest additional appointment time, if needed.
To respect clinic personnel and policies, to show consideration to other patients and staff, to help control noise and distractions, and to respect the property of others and the clinic.
To give the health care provider complete information on your health status, including information regarding past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications and other matters related to health status, and to report any significant changes in symptoms or failure to improve.
To participate in treatment planning and any necessary follow-up care. To adhere to the prescribed treatment plan and to ask about anything you do not understand or wish to change. To inform health care providers if you anticipate any problems in following prescribed treatment plans. To understand the consequences of not complying with the treatment plan and to understand your responsibility for those consequences.
To help increase provider awareness by providing feedback about service needs and expectations. To openly express any doubts and questions about your care to your health care provider. Continued concerns should be addressed formally with the clinic director and/or medical director.
To provide necessary information for insurance claims, and to pay promptly any bills that you have incurred.
To agree to be financially responsible for all SHC charges in accordance with the regualr rates and terms. If payment of all charges is not made within 45 days of initial billing, the student agrees to pay all costs of collections for amounts due, including collection fees, attorney's fees and/or costs of court.

When you have questions, please ask.

When you are satisfied, please comment.

When you are dissatisfied, please let us know.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO WORKING TOGETHER FOR A HEALTHIER U