Rights and Responsibilities

You have the right to:

• Choose whether to be treated as a public or private patient if you are being treated in a public hospital
• Choose your doctor and hospital if you are being treated as a private patient, depending on the circumstances
• Receive an explanation of any treatment and associated risks before agreeing to the treatment
• Request other medical opinions if you wish
• Receive advice from your health fund, doctor(s) and hospital about likely cost including the possible costs of prostheses
• Discuss with your doctor the choice of prostheses, including the option of selecting a prosthesis with no out-of-pocket costs (a no gap prosthesis)
• Be treated with respect and dignity
• Receive care and support from nurses and allied health professionals
• Receive advice before you leave hospital about planning your continuing health care
• Make a compliment, suggestion or complaint about your health care and treatment
• Obtain access to your medical records and expect confidentiality for your personal information
• Receive clear, timely and accurate information from your health fund

You have the responsibility to:

• Request advice from your health fund, doctor(s) and hospital about likely costs
• Check with your health fund before receiving hospital treatment about your level of cover
• provide all relevant information to your doctor and hospital to assist with your care and treatment (for example information about allergies or medications you are taking)
• Participate in decisions about your treatment and care
• Participate before you leave hospital in planning your continuing health care