Patient Rights & Responsibilities

At the STAR Health Center, we believe our relationship with you is a partnership which requires open communication between you and our health care team to ensure optimal care.  Because you are a partner in your care, we want you to know your rights as well as your responsibilities as a patient of the STAR Health Center. We invite you and your family to join us as active members of your care team.

patient-rightsYour Rights

  1. You have a right to understand and use these rights. If for any reason you do not understand or you need help, the hospital must provide assistance, including an interpreter.
  2. You have a right to access medically indicated treatment and available accommodations, regardless of age, race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, disability, or source of payment for care.
  3. You have a right to dignity, respect and consideration of legitimate concerns.
  4. You have a right to privacy and confidentiality.
  5. You have a right to be involved in all aspects of care. Informed consent, following a discussion of risk, benefits and alternatives, should be obtained.
  6. You have a right to information about the current diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
  7. You have a right to be advised of all reasonable options/alternatives for care and treatment and the potential advantages/disadvantages of each.
  8. You have a right to refuse any diagnostic procedure or treatment, and to be advised of the likely medical consequences of such refusal.
  9. You have a right to refuse to take part in research. In deciding whether or not to participate, you have the right to full explanation.
  10. You have a right to education to address your needs. The educational process should consider your values, abilities, readiness to learn and family responsibilities in the care process.
  11. You have a right to express those spiritual beliefs and cultural practices that do not harm others or interfere with the planned course of medical therapy.
  12. You have a right to pain relief. We will give you information about pain and pain relief measures and refer you specialist in pain prevention and effective pain management.
  13. You have a right to know who will be delivering the care and the qualifications of such individuals. In the case of student personnel (including residents/fellow), you have the right to know the extent to which the student personnel will be involved.
  14. You have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of your medical records. You also have the right to expect a reasonable and timely transfer of information from one provider to another when required. Charges for copies of medical records should not exceed the charges provided for by Section 17 of the Public Health Law.
  15. You have a right to receive an itemized bill and explanation of all charges.
  16. You have a right to complain without fear of reprisals about the care and services you are receiving and have the hospital respond to you as you request it with a written response. If you are not satisfied with our response, you can call the Patient Representative number at 718.270.2121 or 718.270.1111.  If you are not satisfied with the hospital’s response, you may call the New York State Department of Health at 1.800.804.5447.

Your Responsibilities

  1. You are expected to provide complete and accurate information, including your full name, address, home or cell phone number, date of birth, Social Security number, insurance carrier and employer when it is required. We ask that you regularly provide us with updated information so we can always stay in touch with you.
  2. You are expected to provide complete and accurate information about your health and medical history, including present condition, past illnesses, hospital stays, medicines, vitamins, herbal products, sexual history, drug use and any other matters that pertain to your health.
  3. You are expected to ask questions when you do not understand information or instructions. If you believe you cannot follow through with your treatment plan, you are responsible for telling your doctor so we can help you get the support you need.
  4. You are expected to treat all STAR Health Center staff, other patients, and family members with courtesy and respect; abide by all hospital rules and safety regulations; and be mindful of noise levels and avoid cell phone conversations in the waiting room.
  5. You are expected to provide complete and accurate information about your health insurance coverage and work with our case management staff if you need assistance in obtaining coverage.
  6. You should provide the STAR Health Center with a copy of your health care proxy or advance directive if you have one.
  7. You have the responsibility to keep appointments, be on time, and let us know if you cannot keep your appointments. If you are late by more than 30 minutes to your appointment you may have to wait until other patients have been seen or you may have to be rescheduled for another day.  In order to avoid not being seen, please call the clinic at 718-270-3745 to inform us of your expected arrival time.