Know Your Rights!

The healthcare system is complex, and no one hands you a roadmap. My role is to help you understand your options, ask the right questions, and ensure your voice is heard—so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

The most important right of all: You never have to accept “because I said so” as an answer.

It is okay to ask, “Can you help me understand why?”

Every patient should know that you have the right to:

Ask questions until you understand your diagnosis and treatment options.
Request a second (or third) opinion.
Access your complete medical records.
Participate in decisions about your care.
Refuse treatment after being informed of the risks and benefits.
Know the costs of your care whenever possible.
Appeal insurance denials.
Be treated with dignity, respect, and without discrimination.
Bring a trusted family member or patient advocate to appointments.
Report concerns about your care without fear of retaliation.
Switch Dr’s
Access to your medical records
Ask for print outs of your records while you are in the hospital or treatment facility. ***you do NOT have to wait until you are discharged to access your medical records.
Ask for a different nurse

One of the biggest healthcare “secrets” isn’t really a secret—it’s just something many people are never told:

The healthcare system expects patients to advocate for themselves, but most people don’t know how.

Some examples
- Insurance companies sometimes deny claims automatically, knowing many people won’t appeal. A denial is not always the final answer.
- Medical records can contain mistakes. Reviewing your records can help catch errors that affect your care.
- You are allowed to ask your doctor why they recommend one treatment over another and whether there are evidence-based alternatives.
- You can ask for copies of imaging reports, lab results, and physician notes—you don’t have to wait for someone to explain them.
- If something doesn’t feel right, seeking another opinion is often one of the best decisions you can make. Ask questions until you understand your diagnosis and treatment options.