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General Information

Patient Rights & Responsibilities

The Amherstburg Family Health Team is committed to providing equitable quality health care and to providing this care with respect and dignity. In keeping our commitment, we have the following Patient Rights and Responsibilities:

You have the right to:

  • Be treated with consideration, courtesy and respect in a way that fully recognizes your dignity, individuality and cultural background.
  • Information concerning your medical condition, in terms you can understand.
  • Confidential management of your personal health records and communication pertaining to your medical care.
  • Participate in decisions regarding your care.
  • An explanation about your treatment and tests including benefits, risks and alternatives.
  • Give or refuse consent for treatment, including medication, and to be informed of the consequences of giving or refusing treatment.
  • Receive an individualized treatment plan. This may include referrals to other specialists as needed.
  • People with special or specific needs have the right to reasonable accommodation in accordance with the law.
  • Have a personal review of your own medical records by appointment and in accordance with applicable Provincial and Federal guidelines.
  • Express any concerns by leaving comments on our Patient Satisfaction Survey or directly to the Executive Director.

You are responsible for:

  • Actively participating with all caregivers in their wellness plan and treatment.
  • Providing accurate information regarding your care such as:
    • Giving your clinical team correct and complete health history information, e.g. allergies; past and present illnesses; and medications and hospitalizations. This information should include all prescription medication(s), as well as alternative therapies, i.e. herbals or other, or over-the-counter medications you take. If possible, please bring the bottles to your first appointment.
    • The correct and complete name, address, telephone, and emergency contact information each time you see your clinician so we can reach you in the event of a schedule change or to give medication instructions.
  • Keeping the clinic informed about substitute decision makers, healthcare power of attorneys and name and contact information for people whom your healthcare information may be disclosed by signing a “Release of Information” form.
  • Accepting the responsibility for the consequences of refusing treatment.
  • Telling your physician about any changes in your condition or reactions to medications or treatments.
  • Asking your physician questions when you do not understand your illness, treatment plan or medication instructions.
  • Being considerate and respectful of all members and partners of the Amherstburg Family Health Team and to other patients.
  • Understanding that care may be delivered in conjunction with trainees – such as nursing students, medical students or residents under attending supervision. Patients have the right to refuse.
  • Understanding that all private exams for patients regardless of gender MUST be chaperoned by clinic staff.
  • Keeping your appointments. If you must cancel your appointment, please call the clinic at least 24 hours in advance or as early as possible. Continued missed appointments may incur a fee.
  • Scheduling reminders via email and text may be offered by our clinic as a courtesy only – you are ultimately responsible to set up a reminder system that is suitable to you (e.g. calendar app or alarm on your phone, etc.)
  • Requesting medication refills no less than 2 weeks in advance.
  • Observing Amherstburg Family Health Team rules and regulations.
  • Using only designated online communication platforms (Medeo) for all electronic communications with our office about your health.
  • All personal property.
  • Keeping your OHIP information up to date with our clinic.
  • Going to urgent care or your local emergency room for urgent matters that cannot wait until our next operating day or your next appointment. If your matter can wait, please schedule a formal follow-up appointment to discuss your questions with the physician directly.
  • Accepting the responsibility of all uninsured financial obligations.
  • Voicing any concerns first to your health care provider.
  • Knowing that refusal to follow your physician’s advice, not respecting clinic policies, repeated missed appointments and/or improper behavior with clinic staff and the doctor(s) may be grounds for dismissal from the practice. Your family physician may refer you to an alternate physician for consultation if clinically warranted.

By rostering as a patient of one of the physicians at the Amherstburg Family Health Team it is assumed that you reviewed and understood these Patient Rights & Responsibilities. If you have any further questions about your rights and responsibilities as a patient of the Amherstburg Family Health Team, please contact us at (519) 736-7770.

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