Patient Rights and Responsibilities

Policy #SOC 97-01

The Herbert Wertheim Centers of Excellence for Eyecare and Vision Health provide comprehensive vision and eye care and are dedicated to the delivery of quality, cost effective vision care services. As part of a world-renowned university that embraces excellence and access, we foster an environment of trust and mutual respect, free expression and inquiry, resilience and fulfillment. These principles serve us daily in our reasoning and actions, and aid us in our decision-making.

Patient Rights

  • Patients have the right to receive compassionate, high-quality, appropriate, and respectful care regardless of age, ancestry, color, culture, ability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, language, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, financial status or other aspects of sameness or difference.
  • Patients have the right to obtain complete information concerning their diagnosis and treatment in terms they understand. When there is a consultation or referral, the information will be made available to the consulting care provider.
  • Patients have the right to be appropriately informed about their diagnosis prior to giving consent for referral for additional care.
  • Patients have the right to be informed of how to continue care after leaving our clinic(s), including when and where to get further treatment.
  • Patients have the right to know by name, the practitioner(s) responsible for coordinating their care.
  • Patients have the right to participate in health care decisions, including, but not limited to, receiving information regarding significant alternatives for care or treatment when they exist and the right to refuse treatment.
  • Patients have the right to privacy of their own health care program including case discussion, consultation, examination, and treatment.
  • Patients have the right to expect that all communications and records pertaining to their care will remain confidential, in accordance with State and Federal laws.
  • Patients have the right to participate in clinical research or to refuse participation in clinical research without the fear that the practitioner/patient relationship will be compromised.
  • Patients have the right to file a complaint, orally or in writing, without the fear that the practitioner/patient relationship will be compromised.

Patient Responsibilities

Patients, as well as their family members, caregivers, representatives and visitors, are expected to:

  • Respect the rights, privacy, and property of our other patients, visitors, and personnel (employees, trainees, contractors, volunteers, etc.) by giving the members of our community the same dignity and courtesy that they expect to receive. Threats, violence, disrespectful communication, disparagement or harassment of other patients or of any personnel, for any reason, including because of an individual’s age, ancestry, color, culture, ability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, language, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or other aspect of sameness or difference are not permitted.
  • Respect site facilities and equipment.
  • Understand that any disrespectful or abusive behavior could result in dismissal from our clinic(s).

Patients and their care representative(s) are expected to:

  • Give the care team timely, complete and accurate information about their health, to the best of their knowledge. This may include current and relevant complaints, past illness, hospitalizations, medications (including over-the-counter products and dietary supplements), any allergies or sensitivities, and current condition.
  • Let the care team know about any changes in their health, adverse effects of their treatment, and/or if their symptoms do not improve.
  • Make an effort to understand their health care needs by being informed and asking questions about their health care treatment and care. Health care providers may not know when patients are confused or have questions.
  • Ask their healthcare provider about anything that is not clear, such as a diagnosis, treatment plan, test, policy, or what is expected of them. Diagnosis and treatment(s) are often very individualized. Understand how to continue care after leaving our clinic(s), including when and where to get further treatment.
  • Follow the treatment plan recommended for them by the care team to the best of their ability. If a patient cannot or does not wish to follow this plan, it is their responsibility to inform the care team. If a patient chooses to refuse or not adhere with the instructions given by their healthcare provider, they will need to accept the consequences of these decisions, actions or inactions.
  • Adhere to relevant infection control policies and procedures.
  • Refrain from demands for inappropriate or medically unnecessary treatment.
  • Provide accurate and up-to-date insurance information before scheduled appointments.
  • If we do not receive current insurance details prior to an appointment, we may be unable to process billing after the service is rendered. In that situation, patients will be financially responsible for all charges incurred.
  • Review their insurance policy to understand their coverage and any potential out-of-pocket expenses. Patients are responsible for any co-payments, deductibles, and amounts not covered by insurance, as well as obtaining any necessary referral or prior authorization that may be required before a scheduled visit. We encourage patients to confirm with their insurance provider whether specific services will be covered before receiving treatment. Please note that we do not accept all insurance plans. A list of accepted insurance providers is available on our website.
  • Pay bills promptly, and if needed, work with their account representative to make payment arrangements.
  • Keep scheduled appointments, or to avoid late cancellation fees, to please call at least 24 hours in advance to cancel or reschedule.

Revised 3/19/25.