Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Thank you for choosing Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso. In order for us to provide the highest quality of care, it is vital that we establish a relationship built on respect and trust. We encourage our patients to have open communication with our clinic’s staff and providers. When treating our patients, it is our duty to create a safe place for patients to receive care and for it to remain between the patient and provider. As a patient, you have specific rights and responsibilities you are entitled to, and we want you to understand those for your visit.

Quality of Care

  • Expect quality care with an emphasis on safety.
  • Receive fair, considerate treatment regardless of age, gender, race, creed, national origin, economic status, lifestyle, or disability.
  • Be free from restraints or seclusion imposed as a means of coercion, discipline, convenience, or retaliation by staff.
  • Appropriate assessment and management of pain and to be free of pain to the extent that is medically possible.
  • Sensitivity addressing issues related to care at the end of life.
  • Have their personal dignity respected at all times.
  • Considerate and respectful care that honors psychosocial, spiritual, and cultural values and beliefs.

Privacy and Confidentiality

  • Receive privacy concerning medical care and personal health information, including diagnosis or condition, treatment, and medical records, to the extent required by law.
  • Be provided the opportunity to talk privately with medical personnel, clergy, visitors, and others when clinically and medically possible.
  • Obtain a written copy of TTUHSC Notice of Privacy Practices.
  • Grant or deny permission of presence to those not directly involved as care providers.

Communication and Information

  • Request communication assistance if necessary.
  • Know the name of the provider/nurse responsible for their care.
  • Obtain from the provider/nurse complete and understandable information regarding diagnosis, treatment, outcome, complications, possible risks, follow-up care, and expected recuperation time.
  • Be informed of known alternative treatments and choose among the alternatives, including the right to refuse treatment.
  • Be advised if the provider/nurse proposes to engage in or perform human experimentation or research affecting their care or treatment, and refuse participation if desired.
  • Inspect and obtain a copy of their medical record (for a reasonable fee) as allowed by law.
  • Receive information regarding clinic guidelines explaining fee schedules and payment policies upon entry into the system.
  • Examine and receive an explanation of any billing/costs upon request.
  • Request an estimate of future charges and receive information on discounting for the uninsured. Talk with the Business Office.
  • Be informed of the existence of business relationships among the hospital, other educational institutions, or health care providers and payers that may influence the patient’s treatment.

Participation and Decision-Making

  • Participate in the development and implementation of the care plan.
  • Be informed of any continuing health care requirements and expect reasonable continuity of care.
  • Refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law and be informed of the potential medical consequences of refusal.
  • Have an Advance Directive, Medical Power of Attorney, or Out-Of-Hospital Do Not Resuscitate with the expectation that clinical staff will honor the documents as allowed by law.

Raising Concerns

  • Raise concerns regarding any aspect of medical care and service by contacting the involved clinic or the appropriate campus designee at (915) 215-4470.

Appointments and Communication

  • Keep appointments and notify appropriate clinic personnel 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment if unable to attend.
  • Notify clinic personnel prior to an appointment regarding any special assistance necessary to clearly communicate with physicians, providers, or nurses.
  • Complete and sign a current “Consent to Treatment” form.
  • Acknowledge receipt of TTUHSC Notice of Privacy Practices addressing certain additional patient rights.
    • More information on these rights can be obtained by calling the Regional Privacy Officer at (915) 215-4456.
  • Report changes in address, telephone number, and any other insurance information.

Participation in Care

  • Be involved and follow the plan of care.
  • Provide a complete medical history, including past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters relating to health.
  • Inform the provider/nurse of any changes in health condition.
  • Provide a copy of Medical Advance Directive and/or Medical Power of Attorney (if applicable and in effect).
  • Ask questions about specific problems and request information when not understanding illness or treatment.
  • Accept results or consequences if refusing treatment, not following the provider’s recommendations, or leaving TTUHSC clinics against medical advice.

Respect for Others and Property

  • Respect the rights of other patients and TTUHSC at El Paso personnel.
  • Respect TTUHSC at El Paso property and the property of other patients.
  • Ensure that all minors in their charge observe and respect TTUHSC at El Paso property and the rights of other patients and visitors while on TTUHSC at El Paso premises. Keep minors with them and safe at all times.
  • Refrain from smoking on the clinic property.

Financial Responsibilities

  • Make prompt payment at the time of service, including co-pay, co-insurance, deductibles, and any other uncovered charges.
  • Comply with Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso financial screening guidelines.
  • Request information about payment options. Information may be obtained by calling the MPIP Business Office at (915) 215-4700.

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

  • You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
  • Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
  • If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
  • Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-800-985-3059.