Understanding Your Rights in Medical Appointments

Imelda Wei Ding Lo
3 days ago
3 min read

Word count: 535

Context: Sample patient handout written for the Fortunus Media portfolio, created during the Build Your Portfolio Masterclass by Michelle Guillemard to demonstrate plain-language health communication.

Client: Fortunus Media (Sample Piece)

Year: 2025

Target Audience: Patients preparing for or attending medical appointments; designed for use by clinics, hospitals, or health literacy organizations.

Patient sitting in a medical gown in a clinic waiting room

When you visit a healthcare professional, you have important rights that protect your safety, privacy, and choice. Knowing them helps you take an active role in your care—before, during, and after every visit.

These rights exist to make healthcare a partnership between you and your providers. They apply in all settings—clinics, hospitals, telehealth appointments, and community programs.

1. The Right to Informed Consent

You don’t need to agree to everything just because your healthcare professional recommends it.

Consent means saying yes only after you understand what will happen and why. It’s part of shared decision-making, where you and your care team decide together what’s best for you.

Your healthcare provider must clearly explain:

What the procedure involves
Why it’s being recommended
Possible risks, benefits, and alternatives
What could happen if you do nothing

You can always ask questions or request written information before signing a consent form. Consent is valid only when you truly understand what you’re agreeing to, and you can withdraw it at any time.

2. The Right to a Second Opinion

If you’re unsure about a diagnosis or treatment plan, you are entitled to ask for another professional’s opinion. Many hospitals and clinics encourage this, especially for major procedures or long-term treatments.

Seeking a second opinion can:

Clarify your options
Help you make informed choices
Offer peace of mind

3. The Right to Access Your Health Information

Your medical record belongs to you. You can:

Request copies of test results, reports, and notes
Ask how your information is stored and shared
Correct any errors

Health facilities should explain how to request digital and paper records. There may be a small fee for copies, depending on the clinic. You also decide who can see your information—such as family members or caregivers.

4. The Right to Privacy and Respect

All patients deserve dignity, regardless of age, background, or health condition. Your personal information and conversations with healthcare providers must stay confidential.

You can expect:

Private discussions about your care
The choice of whether a student or observer is present
Sensitivity to cultural, gender, or spiritual needs

If you feel disrespected, you can raise your concern with a patient relations office or ombudsman.

5. The Right to Ask Questions and Be Heard

You have the right to speak up if something feels unclear, rushed, or uncomfortable.

You can:

Ask for plain-language explanations
Bring a trusted person to appointments
Request more time or written instructions

Writing your questions beforehand and making them more specific can help you make the most of your visit.

For example, if you have a chronic lung condition such as COPD, you might ask which treatments are safest given your other health issues, like high blood pressure.

6. The Right to Safe and High-Quality Care

You have the right to receive care that meets professional standards and keeps you safe. If you notice a safety concern—such as a medication error or hygiene issue—tell your provider or hospital safety office.

Reporting helps prevent harm to others too.