At Athens Gastroenterology Center, P.C., you have certain rights by law and by ethical practice. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) gives you rights as well. As a patient of our practice, you also have certain responsibilities.

Patient's Bill of Rights


I. Information Disclosure

You have the right to receive accurate and easily understood information about your health plan, health care professionals, and health care facilities. If you speak another language, have a physical or mental disability, or just don't understand something, assistance will be provided so you can make informed health care decisions.

II. Choice of Providers and Plans

You have the right to a choice of health care providers that is sufficient to provide you with access to appropriate high-quality health care.

III. Access to Emergency Services

If you have severe pain, an injury, or sudden illness that convinces you that your health is in serious jeopardy, you have the right to receive screening and stabilization emergency services whenever and wherever needed, without prior authorization or financial penalty.

IV. Participation in Treatment Decisions

You have the right to know all your treatment options and to participate in decisions about your care. Parents, guardians, family members, or other individuals that you designate can represent you if you cannot make your own decisions.

V. Respect and Nondiscrimination

You have a right to considerate, respectful and nondiscriminatory care from your doctors, health plan representatives, and other health care providers.

VI. Confidentiality of Health Information

You have the right to talk in confidence with health care providers and to have your health care information protected. You also have the right to review and copy your own medical record and request that your physician amend your record if it is not accurate, relevant, or complete.

VII. Complaints and Appeals

You have the right to a fair, fast, and objective review of any complaint you have against your health plan, doctors, hospitals or other health care personnel. This includes complaints about waiting times, operating hours, the conduct of health care personnel, and the adequacy of health care facilities.

Adapted from the Federal Government's Consumer's Bill of Rights

Patient's Responsibilities


You, your family, and visitors are responsible for following the rules involving patient care and conduct.

You are responsible for providing a complete and accurate medical history. This history should include all prescribed and over-the-counter medications that you are taking.

You are responsible for informing us about all treatments and interventions that you are involved in.

You are responsible for following the suggestions and advice prescribed in a course of treatment by your health care providers. You are responsible for being considerate of the rights of other patients and Athens Gastroenterology Center, P.C. personnel and property.

You are responsible for providing information about unexpected difficulties you have involving your health care.

You are responsible for making it known whether you clearly understand your plan of care and the things you are asked to do.

You are responsible for making appointments and arriving on time. You must call us in advance when you cannot keep a scheduled appointment.

You are responsible for providing us with correct information about your sources of payments and ability to pay your bill.

Adapted from the University of Michigan Health System

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