Patient Rights

Patrick J. McElfresh, Ph.D. and Unity Care, P.C., in providing the best possible care to each patient, shall protect each patient’s individuality, dignity, and autonomy, while also respecting human, civil, constitutional, and statutory rights in accordance with the Pennsylvania and national mental health code.

1. You have the right, in accordance with HIPAA, to have your treatment and other information kept private.  All requests to release treatment related records will only be honored with your written consent.  In accordance with HIPAA, this includes electronic transmission of Private Health Information (PHI) only released with your permission. Only in an emergency, or if required by law, can records be released without your permission.  Your consent to treatment includes your consent to release information for the purposes of payment and electronic submission of claims to insurers.
2. You have the right to have a clear and understandable explanation of your condition and treatment, knowledge of treatment options, and participation in treatment planning.
3. The patient has the right to get information about his/her insurer’s services, their clinical guidelines, and role in the treatment process.  You have the right to communicate with your insurer and about their complaint, grievance, and appeal process.
4. You have the right to access professional information about any Unity Care Clinical Psychology provider.  You have the right to access state and federal laws governing our practice and as laws are related to your rights and responsibilities.

1/01/2014