Patient Rights

Northern Wyoming Surgical Center

Our patient Bill of Rights is as follows, as is a pdf to download (pdf coming soon!)

The Northern Wyoming Surgical Center adopts and affirms as policy the following rights of patients/clients who receive services from our facility.  As a patient, you have the right to:

1. Considerate, respectful care at all times and under all circumstances, which will be free from all forms of abuse or harassment, in a safe environment, with recognition of your personal dignity.
2. Personal and informational privacy, within the law.
3. Be fully informed regarding your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, to the degree known.
4. Confidentiality of records and disclosures.  Except when required by law, you have the right to approve or refuse the release of records.
5. The opportunity to participate in decisions involving your health care, including your ability to voice grievances regarding treatment or care that is (or fails to be) furnished, unless contraindicated by concerns for your health.
6. Make informed decisions about medical care, including the right to accept or refuse medical or surgical treatment and information concerning implementation of any advance care directive
7. Change primary or specialty physician or dentist if others are available.
8. Impartial access to treatment regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, handicap or disability.  (The surgery center adheres to all federal and state rules, regulations and policies to promote a non-discriminatory environment for all of our surgical guests.)
9. Receive an itemized bill for all services.
10. Know the identity and professional status of individuals providing service to you.
11. Report any comments concerning the quality of services provided to you during the time spent at the facility and receive fair follow-up on your comments in a timely manner.  You may also report your complaint to:  Office of Healthcare Licensing & Surveys, 400 Qwest Building, 6101 Yellowstone Road, Cheyenne, WY  82002.  Toll Free 1-866-571-0944 or 307-777-7123.  If you are on Medicare or Medicaid, you may report your complaint to the Medicare Ombudsman at www.cms.hhs.gov/center/ombudsman.asp or by calling to 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).  TTY/TDD line is 1-877-486-2048.
12. Information concerning the ownership of Northern Wyoming Surgical Center.  Our Center is a joint venture between West Park Hospital and the physicians and surgeons of the community.  A list of owners is on the reverse side of this document and is also posted in the patient waiting area.
13. Know our policy concerning Advanced Directives.  NWSC does not accept Advanced Directives because we are an outpatient facility.  According to State law, The Aging Division of the Wyoming Department of Health is to make available the most current approved version of the State’s Advanced Directives.  To obtain a copy of the form go to:  http://wdh.state.wy.us/aging/seniors.html.  Click on Advanced Directives form near the bottom of the page.  We would be glad to assist you with this.
14. Know you have the right to exercise your rights without being subjected to discrimination or reprisal.
15. Have your rights exercised by the person appointed under State law to act on your behalf, or if none have been appointed, any legal representative designated by you in accordance with State law may exercise your rights to the extent allowed by State law.

As a Patient, You Are Responsible for:

1. Providing, to the best of your knowledge, accurate and complete information about your present health status and past medical history and reporting any unexpected changes to the appropriate practitioner(s).
2. Following the treatment plan recommended by the primary practitioner involved in your case.
3. Providing an adult to transport you home after surgery and an adult to be responsible for you at home for the first 24 hours after surgery.
4. Indicating whether you clearly understand a contemplated course of action and what is expected of you.
5. Your actions if you refuse treatment, leave the facility against the advice of the practitioner, and/or do not follow the practitioner's instructions relating to your case.
6. Assuring that the financial obligations of your health care are fulfilled as expediently as possible.

If you have any questions regarding your rights or responsibilities please discuss your concerns with us.

Ownership

The physicians and facilities listed below are limited partners in the Northern Wyoming Surgical Center, LLC.  An interest in this facility enables them to have a voice in the Administration and Medical Policy of this health care institution.  This involvement helps to ensure the finest quality surgical care for their patients.  The physicians also perform surgery at other surgical facilities.  If you have a preference on where your ambulatory procedure is performed, please let us know.  Special emphasis is placed on patient feedback so that we can treat you professionally and courteously at all times.

West Park Hospital District

Theodore J. Ajax, M.D.

Jimmie G. Biles Jr. M.D.

Stephen F. Emery, M.D.

James L. “Bo” Johnson, M.D.

Stephen E. Mainini, M.D.

Dale R. Myers, M.D.

Pamela T. Root, M.D.

Caety Schmidt, M.D.

Frank H. Schmidt M.D.

Charlie Welch, M.D.

Lisa I. Williams, M.D.

Jay A. Winzenried, M.D.

Northern Wyoming Ophthalmology – Barry Welch, M.D.

Schneider Limited Partnership – John Schneider, M.D.

Urologic Services of Northern Wyoming – Gregory Stewart, M.D.