Patients Right and Responsibilites
Patient’s Rights
We expect that the following rights will contribute to more effective patient care and greater satisfaction for the patient. We propose that the following guidelines form a structure with which successful, comfortable, and satisfying dental care may be given and received.
•The patient has a right to considerate and respectful care.
•The patient has the right to expect from the treating dentist, complete, current information concerning diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in terms the patient can understand.
•The patient has the right to expect information sufficient to give informed consent prior to the beginning of any treatment procedure. Except in severe emergencies, information for informed consent should include, but not be limited to, the specific procedures and treatment and the risks (if any) involved.
•The patient has the right to learn of treatment alternatives, refuse treatment, but he/she will be informed of the possible consequences of this decision.
•The patient has the right to expect that his/her care meets the standards of care of the profession.
•The patient has the right to request and examine an itemized total bill.
•The patient has the right to expect Santos & von Family Dentistry to provide only those services that the doctors determine to be appropriate and necessary.
Patient’s Responsibilities
•The patient shall provide, to the best of his/her knowledge, truthful responses to requests for information, to include accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, medications, and other matters pertaining to his/her health.
•The patient shall make it known to the appropriate practitioner whether he/she clearly understands the course of treatment and what is expected of him/her.
•The patient is responsible for following the recommended instructions and treatment deemed by the provider as in the best interests of the patient, to include but not limited to follow-up treatment instructions.
•The patient is responsible for his/her actions, if he/she refuses treatment or does not follow the instructions of the practitioner.
•The patient is responsible for keeping appointments, and, when unable to do so for any reason, to notify the office 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment time. Patients that do not cancel within 24 hours will be charged a $35 failed appointment fee. The office provides convenient text message reminders, if you are not receiving them, Please contact the office.
•The patient is aware if they arrive 10 minutes late for their appointment, it is considered a failed appointment and you will be rescheduled.
•The patient (or the legally responsible party) is responsible for assuring that the financial obligation is fulfilled with in 90 days or it will be sent to collections. Once sent to collections, no further appointments can be made.
•The patient is responsible for a $40 returned check fee, should checks be returned to our office.
•The patient is responsible for being considerate of the rights of other persons and the team at Santos & von Family Dentistry.
•In order to provide quality comprehensive care, patients are required to take x-rays every two years or sooner if the need arises. Please understand we will be unable to properly treat your dental needs without such radiographs.
•The patient shall understand that Santos & von Family Dentistry may choose to discontinue care to a patient who does not adhere to these guidelines.