In this episode, we dive into a topic that empowers every patient—the Patient Bill of Rights. From its origins in response to historical injustices like the Tuskegee Study to its three key pillars—information, choice, and privacy—we unpack what these rights mean for patients today. Discover how understanding your rights can transform your healthcare experience, what red flags to watch for, and how to advocate for yourself when things don’t feel right. Tune in to take control of your healthcare journey and ensure your voice is heard!

Transcript

00:00:01 Narrator

Welcome to the Billing Blueprint podcast your Go to resource for innovative medical billing solutions. Each episode, we explore the latest industry trends and share proven strategies to help your practice streamline operations and get paid faster. Now, here are your hosts Brad and Sarah.

00:00:22 Brad

Hey, everyone. Welcome back. Ready for another deep dive. Today we're tackling something that's pretty crucial, especially when it comes to feeling confident and in control of your healthcare. We're talking all about your patient Bill of Rights.

00:00:35 Brad

Now I know you might be thinking legal stuff sounds dry as toast. But hold on. The journey of how these rights came to be is actually a pretty fascinating story. And believe me, understanding them can make a world of difference in your healthcare experience.

00:00:40 Sarah

Uh-huh.

00:00:52 Brad

What exactly are patient rights and why should we care so much about them?

00:00:57 Sarah

Well, you know at its core, having patient rights means that you have a say, you have power in your own healthcare journey. It's about ensuring that you're treated fairly with respect and that you're actively involved in the decisions that impact your health and the story behind how these rights.

00:01:10 Brad

Makes sense?

00:01:13 Sarah

Aim to be it's a powerful reminder of why they're so important.

00:01:17 Brad

OK, so spill the tea. What's the back story here?

00:01:19 Sarah

Alright, so picture this. It's the 1930s and there's this study going on in Tuskegee, AL.

00:01:25 Brad

Oh, I've heard about this. Not good, right?

00:01:27 Sarah

Yeah, not good.

00:01:27 Sarah

At all. It's called the Tuskegee syphilis.

00:01:29 Sarah

Study and it's considered one of the most egregious ethical violations in medical history.

00:01:34 Brad

Yeah. From what I remember, it involved African American men. That’s right.

00:01:38 Sarah

Right, so these men were told they were receiving free healthcare for bad blood, which was a general term for various ailments back then. But the truth was far more sinister. The researchers were actually studying the progression of syphilis, and they deliberately withheld treatment from these men.

00:01:55 Brad

Wait even after penicillin became available as a cure?

00:01:58 Sarah

I know it's shocking, the study went on for 40 years, from 1932 to 1972, even though a cure was available.

00:02:06 Sarah

The men were never given proper informed consent and were subjected to painful and unnecessary procedures.

00:02:13 Brad

It's hard to believe something like that could happen, but how did this horrific study actually lead to the patient Bill of Rights?

00:02:19 Sarah

While the Tuskegee study sparked outrage and a national conversation about the need to protect patients from exploitation and unethical practices.

00:02:28 Brad

Makes Sense.

00:02:29 Sarah

It really ignited the movement for patient rights and around the same time something else was happening, a shift in the doctor patient dynamic.

00:02:36 Brad

Oh yeah, what was going on?

00:02:38 Sarah

People were starting to question the traditional, paternalistic approach to medicine.

00:02:44 Brad

Paternalist. You mean like Doctor knows best? Just do as you're told.

00:02:48 Sarah

Exactly. It was a very top down approach and patients often felt like they didn't have a voice.

00:02:53 Sarah

But during the 60s and 70s, there was this growing movement for patient empowerment.

00:02:58 Brad

Right. Like people wanted more control over their own healthcare decision.

00:03:00 Sarah

Exactly. They wanted to be active participants, not just passive recipients of care.

00:03:05 Brad

OK, so this push for patient empowerment, coupled with the outrage over the Tuskegee study really paved the way for the patient Bill of Rights as we know it today.

00:03:14 Sarah

You got it. It was like this perfect storm of events that led to a major shift in healthcare towards recognizing and respecting the rights of patients.

00:03:23 Brad

So this patient Bill of Rights, it's kind of like our shield protecting us from any shady stuff and making sure we're treated fairly and respectfully.

00:03:32 Sarah

That's a great way to put it. It's like a road map to navigating the healthcare system and ensuring you're not left in the dark or taking advantage of. And at the heart of this patient Bill of Rights are three fundamental goals. I like to think of them as the pillars of Patient Protection.

00:03:48 Brad

Pillars, huh?

00:03:49 Brad

Alright, I'm intrigued. Lay em on me. What are these three pillars all about?

00:03:53 Sarah

OK, so the first pillar is all about knowledge. It's your right to information.

00:03:57 Brad

OK.

00:03:57 Brad

So I have the right to know what's going on with my health. But what does that actually look like?

00:04:02 Sarah

In practice, it means you have the right to clear, concise and easy to understand information about your health, your diagnosis, your treatment options, and even the potential risks involved.

00:04:13 Brad

Got it. So no more doctors talking in medical jargon that flies right over our heads.

00:04:17 Sarah

That's the goal. It's about empowering you with knowledge so you can make informed decisions about your health care.

00:04:22 Brad

I like it, so it's pillar #2.

00:04:24 Sarah

All right, pillar #2 is all about choice and participation.

00:04:29 Sarah

It's the right to choose and participate in your own care.

00:04:33 Brad

OK, so I'm not just along for the ride. I get to actually have a say in what happens.

00:04:38 Sarah

Precisely, you have the right to choose your healthcare providers. Explore different treatment options, and be an active participant in the decision making process.

00:04:47 Brad

This one's speaking to me. You know, I remember a time when I felt pressured to go with a specialist my doctor recommended, but something just felt off about their approach. Back then I didn't know I had the right to choose someone else, someone who felt like a better fit.

00:05:00 Sarah

You absolutely do. Finding a provider who you trust and feel comfortable with is so important. It can make all the difference in your overall experience.

00:05:08 Brad

Totally agree.

00:05:09 Brad

OK. On to the final pillar. What's that one all about?

00:05:11 Sarah

Alright pillar #3 is all about safeguarding your personal information and your physical space. It's the right to privacy.

00:05:20 Brad

Privacy. Got it. So like my medical records are protected and I don't have to share everything with.

00:05:26 Sarah

Everyone, right. Exactly. Your medical records are confidential and you have control over who has access to that information.

00:05:33 Sarah

But it also goes beyond just medical records. It's about your physical privacy during examinations and procedures, too.

00:05:40 Brad

So, like if I'm uncomfortable with someone being in the room during an exam, I can speak up.

00:05:46 Sarah

Absolutely. You can request things like privacy screens or chaperones. Anything that makes you feel more comfortable and safe.

00:05:52 Brad

Gotcha. So those are the three pillars information, choice, and privacy. They're the cornerstones of the patient Bill of Rights, laying the foundation for a more empowered and patient centered approach to healthcare.

00:06:04 Brad

Now that we've got the big picture, let's zoom in on each of these patient rights and really unpack what they mean for you in those real life doctor's office scenarios, ready to dive deeper.

00:06:13 Sarah

Let's do it.

00:06:13 Brad

OK, so we've laid out those three big pillars, right?

00:06:17 Brad

Information, choice, and privacy.

00:06:20 Brad

Let's take a closer look at each one, starting with the right to information.

00:06:25 Brad

What does this actually mean for everyday folks dealing with the healthcare system?

00:06:29 Sarah

You know, it's not just about getting some information thrown at you. It's about truly understanding what's going on. Like, imagine you're facing a tough medical decision. You absolutely have the right to ask your doctor. Hey, can you explain this in plain English? Lose the jargon.

00:06:44 Brad

Right, no more confusing medical term.

00:06:46 Sarah

Exactly. You can ask them to breakdown the pros and cons of different treatments. You can even get a second opinion if you need it.

00:06:51 Brad

So it's all about having a real conversation with your doctor. Not just like sitting there and taking it all in, but actually engaging.

00:06:59 Sarah

You got it. You're in the driver's seat, and studies show that when patients are well informed, they're more likely to stick with their treatment plans and have better outcomes. Makes sense, right?

00:07:07 Brad

Totally alright. What about this? Right to choose and participate. Does that mean I could just march into a hospital and demand whatever treatment I want?

00:07:16 Sarah

Oh, not quite. It's more about a partnership. It's about working together with your healthcare team. You can talk through your options, look into alternative therapies and even say no to a treatment if you're not comfortable with it. Of course, as long as you understand the potential risks.

00:07:31 Brad

So it's about shared decision making. You and your doctor, figuring out the best path forward together.

00:07:36 Sarah

That's the idea. It's your body, your health. That's why it's so important to find a doctor you trust and feel comfortable talking to someone who gets you and your values.

00:07:38 Brad

Yeah.

00:07:45 Brad

Yeah, finding the right doctor. Huge. OK, let's talk privacy. The right to privacy. We talked about medical records and you know, not having people staring at you during exams. But are there other things we should know about this? Right.

00:07:58 Sarah

Oh yeah, privacy goes beyond just the.

00:08:00 Sarah

That think about your conversations with your doctor. Those are protected too. You have the right to confidential communication. That means no one else should be privy to those conversations without your consent.

00:08:10 Brad

So let's say I'm talking to my doctor about something kind of sensitive and there's someone else in the room, a nurse or a Med student or something I can ask them to step out.

00:08:19 Sarah

Absolutely. You can also tell your doctor. Hey, please don't talk about my case with anyone else like family or friends without my permission.

00:08:26 Brad

Good to know. So we've got these three core rights down, but let's get real. What if you feel like your rights have been violated?

00:08:35 Brad

It can be scary to speak up, especially when you're dealing with, you know, doctors and hospitals.

00:08:40 Sarah

I totally get that. But remember these rights are here to protect you and knowing how to stand up for yourself, it can be really empowering. The first thing is to recognize the signs that something might be wrong.

00:08:52 Brad

OK, So what are some red flags? What should we be looking out for?

00:08:55 Sarah

Well, let's say you're trying to get a hold of your own medical records, and they're giving you the run around or flat out denying you. That's a big red flag. Or if your doctor keeps brushing off your concerns, talking down to you or just doesn't explain things clearly. Not OK.

00:09:11 Brad

What about? Like if you feel like your wishes aren't being respected, or you think someone might be gossiping about your case?

00:09:17 Sarah

Those are red flags too. And don't forget about discrimination. You have the right to receive care without being discriminated against. Your race, religion, gender identity, none of that matters. Everyone deserves equal treatment.

00:09:29 Brad

So if you're in one of these situations, what can you actually do about it? It can feel like a losing battle, you know, going up against a whole hospital.

00:09:38 Sarah

I hear you. It can be overwhelming. But there are steps you can take. Sometimes the best thing to do is just start by talking to your doctor directly. You'd be surprised how often a simple conversation can clear up a misunderstanding.

00:09:51 Brad

But what if talking doesn't work? Then what?

00:09:54 Sarah

If talking doesn't get you anywhere, you can file a formal complaint. Most healthcare places have patient advocates or a patient relations department to handle these things.

00:10:02 Brad

Oh, interesting. So you don't have to jump straight to a lawyer or anything.

00:10:05 Sarah

Right. If the issue is within the facility, they usually have ways to deal with it internally.

00:10:10 Brad

OK, good to know, but what if that doesn't work either? Or if it's something really serious, like a blatant violation of your rights?

00:10:16 Sarah

Well, if you've tried everything else, or if the issue is pretty major, you can always file a complaint with a Regulatory agency like your state Medical Board, a nursing board, or even a federal agency if it comes to that.

00:10:28 Brad

OK. So we've talked about going through the healthcare facility itself and then those regulatory agencies. But are there other resources for patients, you know, if you feel like your rights have been violated it can be kind of intimidating to go it alone.

00:10:41 Sarah

You're right, it can feel like you're up against a brick wall, but honestly, you don't have to do this by yourself. There are some fantastic patient advocacy groups out there. Yeah, they can give you guidance, support and even connect you with legal help if you need it.

00:10:56 Brad

That's awesome. It's like having a friend who knows the ropes right there with you.

00:11:01 Sarah

Exactly.

00:11:02 Brad

OK. Before we wrap things up, I want to touch on something else that can be a real pain point for patients. The whole financial side of healthcare.

00:11:08 Sarah

Oh yeah, bills and insurance claims the fun stuff, right?

00:11:13 Brad

Yes, tell me about it. But hey, there are services out there that can help like BillFlash, they can help optimize billing and make sure providers get paid what they're owed. It's a huge help, especially for smaller practices.

00:11:25 Sarah

It's amazing how technology is making things easier for everyone involved.

00:11:29 Brad

I know, right? So as we wrap up this deep dive into the patient Bill of Rights, let's bring it all home. We've covered a lot from the history to those key rights, and what to do if they're violated, but at the end of the day, what does this mean for you, the listener?

00:11:41 Sarah

To me, knowing your rights as a patient, it's not just about memorizing some rules. It's about realizing you have power, you have choices, and you deserve to be treated with respect every step of the way.

00:11:54 Brad

Right. It's like you're not just going along with whatever happens, you're actively involved, you're in control.

00:11:59 Sarah

Exactly. You're an advocate for your own health.

00:12:01 Brad

Love that. OK, so as we closeout this episode, I want to leave you with a question. Now that you're armed with all this info about your rights, what are you going to do to make sure they're being respected?

00:12:12 Sarah

Maybe it's having a real heart to heart with your doctor about your treatment options or doing some research to find a doctor you really click with.

00:12:20 Brad

Or maybe it's as simple as being more mindful of your privacy at the doctor's office. Whatever it is, remember you have the right to speak up and to seek support if you need it.

00:12:29 Sarah

And hey, knowledge is power, right? The more you know about your rights, the more confident you'll feel navigating the whole healthcare maze.

00:12:37 Brad

Absolutely. Well, that's a wrap on our patient Bill of Rights Deep Dive. We hope you found it helpful and empowering. Keep those questions coming, keep learning and keep advocating for yourself until next time. Take care.

00:12:50 Narrator

Thanks for tuning in to the Billing Blueprint podcast for more insights or to dive deeper into today's topics. Head over to billflash.com. Don't forget to subscribe and we'll catch you next week with more strategies to keep your practice running smoothly and getting paid faster.