Letters To my Doctor -our rights as patients

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I get plain perplexed, when someone has just come back from the doctors  still looking puzzled..

"So what did the doctor say?"

"Well, nothing really, just that I should do some tests and take these medications, then come back and see him in a month"

"So he did not tell you what was wrong with you?"

"Nope"

Why?

"Maybe there was no time", "there were 5 doctors in the room talking to themselves for about 30 mins. After they were done,one of them just shoved the test request forms into my hands and asked me to go and do the tests. Before I could protest, the next patient had already been ushered in and I had to chase after the nurse who was taking away my file. "

What????

Why would you go to see a doctor and leave feeling more confused than ever???

What are your rights as a patient? Its time to set the records straight!

Things you should know as a patient. This information is an excerpt from the National Health Act (2014)-

(1) Every health care provider shall give a user relevant information
pertaining to his state of health and necessary treatment 

relating to: 

(a) the user's health status except in circumstances 

where there is substantial evidence that the 

disclosure of the user's health status would be 

contrary to the best interests of the user; (some of us have issues here, but lets move along)

(b) the range of diagnostic procedures and 

treatment options generally available to the user; 

( c) the benefits, risks, costs and consequences 

generally associated with each option; and 

(d) the user's right to refuse health services and 

explain the implications, risks or obligations of 

such refusal. 

(2) The health care provider concerned shall, where possible, 

inform the user in a language that the user understands and 

in a manner which takes into account the user's level of 

literacy.

So dear one, it is your right to know what is wrong with your health and the treatment options available to you without fear or favour.
Obviously as with any human encounter, basic etiquette applies in human interaction and you will most likely not get the best out of your doctor's visit when you show up looking aggressive and ill-mannered.

Remember your doctor has the right to refuse to treat you....

"a health care provider may refuse to treat a user 

who is physically or verbally abusive or who sexually harasses him or her, 

and in such a case the health care provider should report the incident to the 

appropriate authority" The National Health Act (2014)

Wishing you an awesome time at your next Doctor's appointment!

Now you know!

Stay blessed and healthy!

Esther..!