PAMF Patient Bill of Rights
PAMF employees, PAMC clinicians and PAMF patients will uphold the Patient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities as it is stated below:
As a PAMF patient, you have the right to considerate and respectful treatment from all staff members. In addition, you have the right to:
- Receive information about PAMF: its services, its practitioners and providers, and patients' rights and responsibilities.
- Know that PAMF allows open practitioner-patient communication regarding appropriate treatment alternatives and without penalizing practitioners for discussing medically necessary or appropriate care.
- Have a candid discussion of appropriate or medically necessary treatment options for your condition, regardless of cost or health plan coverage.
- Be informed of treatment options (without regard to plan coverage) and of risks, benefits and consequences of treatment or non-treatment in a format you can understand.
- Refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law, and be informed of the alternatives and consequences of refusing treatment.
- Be represented by parents, guardians, family members or other conservators if you are unable to participate fully in your treatment decisions.
- Expect reasonable confidentiality of all records and communication about your medical care.
- Request a copy of your medical records.
- Request an explanation of your bill.
- Know if your physicians wish to include clinical research (such as the use of a new drug) as a part of your care, and to refuse to participate in such research.
- Participate with practitioners in decision making regarding your health care
- Voice complaints or appeals about PAMF or the care provided.
- Make recommendations regarding PAMF's patients' rights and responsibilities policies.
In addition to these rights, you have the responsibility to:
- Provide, to the extent possible, information that PAMF and its health care providers need in order to care for you.
- Follow the plans and instructions for care that you have agreed upon with your practitioners.
- Understand your health problems and participate in developing mutually agreed upon treatment goals to the degree possible.
If you have a question, compliment, suggestion or complaint, please call:
- About a bill: (650) 812-3838
- About patient experience: (650) 853-2939
Any complaints about a physician can also be made to the Medical Board of California at (800) 633-2322. This board is the only authority to take disciplinary action against a practitioner's license (Civil Code Section 43.96).
