Philosophy of the University Health Services
The staff of University Health Services seeks to give every student, faculty and staff member optimum health care. Patient care should be based on an atmosphere of mutual trust and understanding in which there is collaboration in health care goals between the patient and the provider. Each person shall be treated with dignity while striving to meet the individual’s health care needs. The goal is to attain the highest standards of care which meet these needs. Students, faculty and staff have the right to:
- receive a high quality of health care.
- be treated with respect and dignity, and to be provided with courteous, considerate care.
- expect the University Health Services to respond to their requests of service or treatment. This response may include refusal for treatment if it is outside of the provider’s scope of practice.
- privacy during patient encounters.
- expect to be given information necessary to make treatment decisions that reflect their wishes (clear explanations about their conditions, diagnosis, and expected course of treatment, including proposed procedures, risks and serious side effects).
- refuse or accept treatment to the extent permitted by law and to be informed of the health consequences of their choice.
- expect the University Health Services, within its resources, to assure continuity of care and to assist in locating alternate services when they are indicated.
- access their health care records.
- expect that all communications and records pertaining to their care will be made available only to those clinical and legal entities directly concerned with such care.
- examine and receive an explanation of any charges prior to accepting/declining service, regardless of the source of payment.
- review information about the clinic's patient rights policies and the mechanisms for the initiation, review, and when possible resolutions of complaints.
Recognizing that successful and harmonious relationships depend upon the cooperation of both parties, the University Health Services recognizes certain mutual obligations of patients.
The Responsibilities of the Student, Staff and Faculty
Students, faculty and staff have the obligation to:
- respect the policies of the University, the University Health Services, and the Erlanger Health System.
- respect other patients and the staff involved in their care.
- disclose with openness and honesty, information concerning any present or past illness and any other matters relating to their health.
- communicate immediately if they do not understand the instructions given them concerning their health, or if they think they will not be able to comply with such instructions.
- make suitable arrangements to reimburse the center for charges incurred on their behalf.
Confidentiality of Health Records
University Health Services records are strictly confidential and are not released to anyone without the patient's knowledge and signed authorization.
