Summit respects and supports your rights as a patient, recognizing that each patient is an individual with unique health care needs. Because of the importance of respecting each patient's personal dignity, we provide considerate, respectful care focused upon the patient's individual needs. Summit affirms the patient's right to make decisions regarding his or her medical care including the decision to discontinue treatment, to the extent permitted by law.

1. The privacy of all patients will be respected at all times. Patients will be treated with respect, consideration and dignity.

2. Patients will receive assistance in a prompt, courteous and responsible manner.

3. Patients medical records are considered confidential. Except as otherwise required by law ,patient records and/or portions of records will not be released to outside entities or designated representatives without expressed written approval.
4. Patients have the right to know the identity and status of individuals providing services to them.
5. Patients, or legal authorized representatives, have the right to thorough, current and understandable information regarding their diagnosis, treatment options and prognosis, if known, and follow-up care. All patients will sign informed consent forms after all information .has been provided and their questions answered.
6. Patients have the right to refuse treatment and to be advised of the alternatives and consequences of their decisions. Patients are encouraged to discuss their objectives with their provider.
7. Patients have the right to refuse participation in experimental treatment and procedures. Should any experimental treatment be considered, it will be fully explained to the patient prior to commencement.
8. Patients have the right to express complaints about the care they have received and to submit their grievance to the Administrator. The Administrator will complete and "Incident Report" and bring the issue to the attention of the Medical Director in a timely manner so the grievance may be addressed. Patients have the right to file a grievance with the Composite State board of Medical Examiners concerning the physician, staff, center and/or treatment received. (See address and numbers below.)
9. Patients have the right to be provided with information regarding emergency and after -hour care.
10. Patients have the right to obtain a second opinion regarding the recommended procedure. Responsibility for the expense of the second opinion rests solely with the patient.
11. Patients have the right to a safe and pleasant environment during their stay.
12. Patients have the right to be provided with informed consent forms as required by the laws of the State of Georgia.

Patient Responsibilities
1. Patients are expected to provide complete and accurate medical histories including providing information on all current medications, keep all scheduled pre and post-procedure appointments and comply with treatment plans to help ensure appropriate care.
2. Patients are responsible for reviewing and understanding the information provided by their Physician or nurse. Patients are responsible for understanding their insurance coverage and the procedures required for obtaining coverage.
3. Patients are responsible for providing insurance information at the time of service and to notify the receptionist of any changes in information regarding their insurance or medical information.
4. Patients will be provided, upon request, all available information regarding services available at the Office and the Center, as well as information about the estimated fees and options for payment.
5. Patients are responsible for paying all charges for co-payments, co-insurance, deductible and the full fee for non-covered services at the time of, or prior to, the procedure unless other arrangements have been made in advance with the Billing Office.
6. Patients are responsible for treating Physicians and Staff in a courteous and respectful manner.
7. Patients are responsible for asking questions about their medical care and for seeking clarification from their physician of the services to be provided until they fully understand the care they are to receive.
8. Patients are responsible for following the advice of their provider and for considering the alternatives and/or likely consequences if they refuse to comply.
9. Patients are responsible for expressing their opinions, concerns or complaints to the appropriate personnel in a constructive manner.

10. Patients will provide a driver who will come and stay in the waiting room while the procedure is performed and transport the patient home after the recovery period.

To access GA Complaint Unit: Heath Care Facility Regulation Division,
Suite 3100 Complaint Intake Unit,
2 Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30303  404-657-5726  or 404-657-5728 or 1-800-878-6442
To contact the Federal Medicare Office of Ombudsman call 1-888-734-3247
Office of Ombudsman   409 3rd Street, SW Suite 7125  Washington, DC  20416