I just thought I would throw the fact int hat the hospital I use gives a pamplet out with the "Patients Bill of Rights" in it. It is given when you sign the consent forms for your surgery and have all your pre-op blood work, urinalysis, x-rays, or whatever is needed for your surgery. This is the same time that you talk with an anesthesiologist. I don't know if others do the same, but mine sure does.
Jenny
>From: "Helen Dynda" <olddad66@runestone.net>
>Reply-To: adhesions@adhesions.org
>To: Multiple recipients of list ADHESIONS
><adhesions@mail.medispecialty.com>
>Subject: Pain Patient's Bill Of Rights......You have the right to...
>Date: Sat, 3 Mar 2001 10:26:07 -0600
>
>[] "Pain Patient's Bill Of Rights".....This is the name of a book by Jane
>Cowles, Ph.D., adapted from her book, "Pain Relief?" ( Master Media, 1994
>). Has anyone read this book?
>
>[]> You have the right to:
>
>* Have your pain prevented or controlled adequately.
>
>* Have your pain and pain-medication history taken.
>
>* Have your pain questions answered freely.
>
>* Develop a pain plan with your doctor.
>
>* Know what medication, treatment or anesthesia will be given.
>
>* Know the risks, benefits and side-effects of treatment.
>
>* Know what alternative pain treatments may be available.
>
>* Sign a statement of informed consent before any treatment.
>
>* Be believed when you say you have pain.
>
>* Have your pain assessed on an individual basis.
>
>* Have your pain assessed using the 0 = not pain, 10 = worst pain scale.
>
>* Ask for changes in treatments, if your pain persists.
>
>* Receive compassionate and sympathetic care.
>
>* Receive pain medication on a timely basis.
>
>* Refuse treatment without prejudice from your doctor.
>
>* Seek a second opinion or request a pain-care specialist.
>
>* Be given your records on request.
>
>* Include your family in decision-making.
>
>* Remind those who care for you that your pain management is part of your
>diagnostic, medical or surgical care.
>