Patient Responsibilities When Undergoing Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic surgery deals with acute injuries, congenital and acquired disorders, and chronic arthritic or conditions caused by overuse of the bones, joints and their associated soft tissues, including ligaments, nerves, and muscles.
Among the main procedures undertaken by orthopedic surgeons are:
- Joint arthroscopy
- Fracture repair
- Arthroplasty
- General repair procedures on a damaged muscle or tendon
- Corrective surgery
Patient rights
Since you need to put trust in your doctors’ abilities and care to get better, you are protected by certain rights. They cover many areas, regarding your surgery and treatment, and can be related to information, confidentiality, continuity of treatment, participation in the decision-making process and so on.
Remember, you can exercise these rights without being subjected to discrimination or reprisal.
You are encouraged to do so, but there is an equally important issue regarding your treatment – patient responsibilities.
Patient responsibilities
In order to get the best outcomes, cooperation between the orthopedic surgeon and the patient is vital. There are plenty of ways in which you can support the treatment and recovery process. Therefore, we believe that you should be aware of all the responsibilities, that are, as a patient, in your hands.
Based on Raleigh Orthopedic Surgical Center’s list of patient responsibilities, we have prepared a guide that you can use to make sure you receive the best possible care in the spirit of mutual trust and respect.
Raleigh orthopedic surgeons are more than happy to discuss those with you, if you are unsure of what they involve.
- Provide accurate and complete information about present complaints, past illnesses, hospitalizations, any medications, including over-the-counter products and dietary supplements, any allergies or sensitivities, and other matters related to your health status.
- Make it clear that the course of treatment and what is expected of you is well understood.
- Follow the treatment plan established by the physician, including the instructions from nurses and other health professionals.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to transport you home from the ASC and remain with you for 24 hours, if required by the physician.
- Attend the appointments. Notify the ambulatory surgery center or physician when unable to attend an appointment.
- Accept responsibility for any actions resulting from the refusal to follow treatment or the physician’s orders.
- Inform the physician about any living will, medical power of attorney, or other directive that could affect your care.
- Accept and ensure that the financial obligations of care are fulfilled as promptly as possible.
- Follow the ambulatory surgery center’s policies and procedures.
- Be considerate of the rights of other patients and ambulatory surgery center personnel.
- Be respectful of personal property, including that of other persons in the ambulatory surgery center.
Raleigh Orthopedic Surgical Center
The Raleigh Orthopaedic Surgical Center’s board certified, fellowship trained Raleigh orthopedic surgeons bring together many years of experience to diagnose, manage and correct various conditions.
Raleigh Orthopaedic Surgical Center strives to provide excellent patient care and service. If you have a concern or complaint, please tell us, so we can work towards satisfying your needs.
Make an appointment with one of our Raleigh orthopedic surgeons to get specialized surgical treatment with a personal approach at Raleigh Orthopedic Surgical Center.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
