Important information for your health.  
 
St. Joseph Heritage Medical Group physicians are committed to partnering with you in maintaining your good health.  As a patient, you have the responsibility to:

1.       Provide your healthcare provider with complete and accurate information.

2.       Follow the treatment plan agreed upon by you and your physician, and notify him/her of any significant changes in your condition.

3.       Recognize that your primary care physician will provide the care he or she is trained to provide prior to seeking consultation with a specialist.

4.       Know the benefits, limitations and exclusions of your insurance coverage.

5.       Pay for services rendered, including co-payments and deductibles.

6.       Understand that before specialty care may be obtained, you must receive a referral from your primary care physician, if required by your insurance company.

7.       Give adequate notice of delay or cancellation of scheduled appointments.

8.       Contact your primary care physician or substitute anytime for perceived urgent medical needs or questions.

9.       Know how to access healthcare services for routine, urgent and emergency situations.  An emergency is a serious condition requiring immediate intervention.  An urgent condition could either lead to a potentially harmful outcome if not treated or requires immediate attention (within 24 hours) due to the severity of the symptoms.  A non-urgent condition includes a limited physical exam or follow-up of acute or chronic medical or surgical conditions.

10.    Designate a family member(s) or other conservator(s) if you are unable to
participate in treatment decisions.