Consumer Responsibilities
In addition to outlining consumer rights for health care, the Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in the Health Care Industry also outlined guidelines for the responsibilities that the consumer has with regard to their own healthcare. The responsibilities outlined are ways that the consumer can work together with the health care provider to achieve the best quality health outcome.
• Take responsibility for maximizing healthy habits, such as exercising, not smoking, and eating a healthy diet.
• Become involved in specific health care decisions.
• Work collaboratively with health care providers in developing and carrying out agreed-upon treatment plans.
• Disclose relevant information and clearly communicate wants and needs.
• Use the health plan's internal complaint and appeal process to address concerns that may arise.
• Avoid knowingly spreading disease.
• Recognize the reality of risks and limits of the science of medical care and the human fallibility of the health care professional.
• Be aware of a health care provider's obligation to be reasonably efficient and equitable in providing care to other patients and the community.
• Become knowledgeable about his or her health plan coverage and health plan options (when available) including all covered benefits, limitations and exclusions, rules regarding use of information, and the process to appeal coverage decisions.
• Show respect for other patients and health workers.
• Make a good-faith effort to meet financial obligations.
• Abide by administrative and operational procedures of the health plans and health care providers.
• Report wrongdoing and fraud to appropriate resources or legal authorities.
For more information visit the Office for Civil Rights - HIPAA website -
HHS - Office for Civil Rights - HIPAA
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