Privacy Standards - Pioneers Medical Center

Standards for Privacy/Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Standards for Privacy of Protected Health Information

According to the federal law named the “Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act” (HIPAA), you have rights concerning the use of individually identifiable health information. Only individuals with a legitimate “need to know” may access, use or disclose patient information. Protected health information (PHI) may be released to other covered health care providers without patient authorization if that PHI will be used for treatment, payment, health care operations or for public good purposes as permitted by state and federal laws. Disclosures of PHI for uses and disclosures outside treatment, payment and health care operations require patient authorization.

While receiving care in the hospital, you may ask for your name to not be included in the hospital directory, which means that people asking about you will be told “I have no information about this patient.” Please note that if you want to receive deliveries of cards and flowers, then you want your name included in the hospital directory. If your name is included in the hospital directory, you will also appear on a list for clergy members of your faith.

For a listing of other HIPAA privacy rights, please refer to the Notice of Privacy Practices that was given to you during registration or you may download the document here.

If You Have a Question or Concern

The medical staff and employees of Pioneers are committed to treating each patient with fairness and concern, recognizing his or her needs and satisfying them to the fullest extent possible. If you have any questions or problems that have not been answered to your satisfaction or if you have a special need, call the Administrative Office at (970) 878-9260.

Patient Rights and Responsibilities

As a natural outgrowth of our organizational values and mission, the Board of Directors, medical staff and employees of Pioneers Medical Center jointly affirm and recognize the following rights and responsibilities of patients:
In recognition of their human dignity, all patients have a right to courteous treatment and impartial access to quality medical care.
All patients have the right to be informed of alternative treatments and to choose among the alternatives, including the right to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law and to be informed of the medical consequences of their actions.
All patients are responsible for their own actions if they refuse treatment or do not follow the doctor’s recommendations.
All patients have the right to every consideration of privacy concerning their medical care program. Patients are responsible for being considerate of the privacy of other patients. Telephones, televisions, radios and lights should be used in a manner agreeable to others.
All patients are assured confidential treatment of their medical record by state and federal law. These statutes and regulations control the release of information contained in your medical record.
All patients have the right to continuity of care, transfer and consultation with other medical specialties.
All patients have the right to examine and receive an explanation of their bill, regardless of the source of payment. Patients have the responsibility to provide information necessary for claim processing and to be prompt in payment of their bills. Patients have the right to understand surprise billing.
All patients have the right to know the rules and regulations that apply to patient care and conduct, and they are responsible for following those rules and regulations.
All patients have a right to receive an explanation of their treatment program and to ask for further clarification if the course of treatment is not understood. Patients have the responsibility to cooperate in their treatment program.