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.

  • 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.
  • Request communication assistance if necessary.
  • Participate in the development and implementation of the care plan.
  • Receive privacy concerning his or her 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.
  • Know the name of the provider/nurse responsible for his/her care.
  • Obtain from the provider/nurse complete and understandable information regarding his or her diagnosis, treatment, outcome, complications, possible risks, and follow-up care and expected recuperation time.
  • Be advised if the provider/nurse proposes to engage in or perform human experimentation or research affecting his or her care or treatment, and to refuse if desired to participate in such experimentation or research.
  • Be informed of known alternative treatments and to choose among the alternatives, including the right to refuse treatment.
  • Inspect and obtain a copy of his or her medical record (for a reasonable fee) as allowed by law.
  • Expect reasonable continuity of care and be informed of any continuing health care requirements.
  • Refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law and to be informed of the potential medical consequences of refusal.
  • Raise concerns regarding any aspect of his/her medical care and service by contacting the involved clinic or the appropriate campus designee at (915) 215-7740.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Receive information regarding clinic guidelines explaining fee schedule 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.
  • 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.
  • Report changes in address, telephone number and any other insurance information.

  • Keep appointments and notify appropriate clinic personnel 24 hours prior to scheduled appointment, if unable to keep scheduled appointment.
  • Complete and sign a current “Consent to Treatment” form.
  • Notify clinic personnel prior to an appointment regarding any special assistance necessary to clearly communicate with physicians, providers or nurses.
  • Be involved and follow the plan of care.
  • 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.
  • Provide a complete medical history, including past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications and other matters relating to his or her health.
  • Inform the provider/nurse of any changes in his or her health condition.
  • Provide a copy of his or her 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 his or her illness or treatment.
  • Accept results or consequences if he or she refuses treatment, does not follow the provider’s recommendations or leaves TTUHSC clinics against medical advice.
  • Respect the rights of other patients and TTUHSC at El Paso personnel.
  • Respect TTUHSC at El Paso property and property of other patients.
  • Ensure that all minors in his or her charge observe and respect TTUHSC at El Paso property and other patients and visitors rights while on TTUHSC at El Paso premises and keep minors with them and safe at all times.
  • Refrain from smoking on the clinic property.

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.