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Patients Rights Directory
As a patient, you have rights such as discussing treatment options and costs with your doctors; making your own health decisions; having your privacy respected as covered by HIPAA law; and getting emergency care, even if you cannot pay. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about patients' rights, how to make informed decisions, and much more.
Medical Reference
What's the Right Medicare Coverage for You?
Deciding what kind of Medicare coverage you need? WebMD will help guide you through the process.
Your Health Information Privacy Rights (HIPAA)
At a glance, here are the federal privacy rights that protect your medical information and medical records under the federal law known as HIPAA.
Medicare and Long-Term Care
Medicare does not cover much long-term care, as many people assume. Learn more from WebMD about your options.
What You Need to Know About Assisted Living
Assisted living is a type of housing designed for people who need various levels of medical and personal care. WebMD offers questions to ask when you are considering assisted living for yourself or a loved one.
Features
Way Too Personal
Secrets, dreams, fears, fantasies -- all are shared with the professionals we hire to guide us toward optimal mental health. It's no surprise that patients often become attracted to their therapists.
Be Your Own Health Advocate
Change from passive patient to an active advocate for your own health care.
Taking Life Away
In March 1998, an Oregon woman dying of breast cancer asked her physician to prescribe a drug that would allow her to end her life. The doctor agreed. Later in the month she took the medication. With that action, she became the first person in the United States to commit suicide with the help of a doctor -- legally.
No Trials for the Aging
Older patients are often eager to determine the effectiveness of drugs by trying experimental therapies. So why are so many of them being left out of clinical studies?
Video
Post Op Care After Your Cosmetic Surgery
What kind of post-op care should you expect from your cosmetic surgeon? Dr, Robert Kotler, MD, explains.
Computer Imaging for Cosmetic Procedures
Want to see the possible results of your cosmetic surgery before you have it? Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Robert Kotler explains how.
Dangers of Street Drugs and Cosmetic Surgery
Why does your cosmetic surgeon need to know if you use drugs? Dr. Robert Kotler explains.
When To Pay for Cosmetic Surgery Consultation
Is paying for a consultation on a cosmetic procedure a good investment? Ask Dr. Robert Kotler, MD.