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Patient Rights & Advocacy - Includes Military

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Informational:
http://www.opencongress.org/bill/110-h5465/show

~ H.R.5465 - Military Pain Care Act of 2008 ~ Official Summary ~~ 2/14/2008 ~ Introduced ~

Military Pain Care Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretaries of Defense, Veterans Affairs, and Health and Human Services and the Surgeon General of the United States to develop and implement a pain care initiative in all military health care facilities. Requires the initiative to ensure that all active and retired military personnel and dependents receiving treatment in military health care facilities:

(1) Are assessed for pain at the time of admission or initial treatment, and periodically thereafter, using a professionally recognized pain assessment tool or process; and

(2) Receive appropriate pain care consistent with recognized means for assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of acute and chronic pain, including, as appropriate, access to specialty pain management services. Requires:

  (A) Department of Defense (DOD) contracts for medical care for military retirees, dependents, and survivors to include the provision of appropriate care for the treatment of pain; and

  (B) a Comptroller General study on the adequacy of pain care in DOD health care facilities, services, and programs.

Informational:
http://bostonscientific.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=788

Boston Scientific Welcomes Passage of Federal Pain Care Legislation to Benefit Military Members and Veterans
PRNewswire-FirstCall ~ NATICK, Mass. ~ (NYSE:BSX) ~ Oct 29, 2008
NATICK, Mass., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) today welcomed passage of legislation to help active members of the U.S. armed forces and service veterans better manage the challenges of chronic pain.

The Military Pain Care Act of 2008 was included in the National Defense Authorization Act, recently passed by Congress and signed into law by the President. The legislation, introduced by Representative Dave Loebsack of Iowa, requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to implement a pain care initiative in all military health care facilities. The intent is to help the military improve the health of active duty service members by developing a "best practices" approach to pain care management and evaluating the effectiveness of existing DOD pain care programs. Pain care management - for both acute and chronic pain - is a critical component of providing comprehensive health care for those who serve our country.

Congress also passed - and the President signed - the Veterans Pain Care Act, which establishes a comprehensive and integrated pain care initiative across the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) health care system. This new law, introduced by Representative Tim Walz of Minnesota and Senator Daniel Akaka of Hawaii, will add resources to increase research, training and education on acute and chronic pain for VA personnel and their patients.

"Improving pain management is a crucial part of improving health care for our active military and our veterans," said Scott M. Fishman, M.D., Professor of Anesthesiology and Chief, Division of Pain Medicine at the University of California, Davis. "Pain is a complex medical condition that can affect the physical and mental well being of millions of patients. We owe it to our returning military personnel to address their pain and suffering just as we should for all patients with chronic pain."

"The passage of these two laws will advance public awareness and understanding of chronic pain management," said Michael Onuscheck, President of Boston Scientific's Neuromodulation business. "The accredited pain physicians with whom we work have witnessed the devastating impact chronic pain can have on our active and veteran military service personnel. The expansion and improvement of the quality of care for these brave men and women in their battle against chronic pain is an important step forward."

An additional pain care bill, the National Pain Care Policy Act, has been passed by the House of Representatives but not the Senate. This bill, introduced by Representative Lois Capps of California and Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah, would help evaluate how acute and chronic pain are diagnosed, treated and managed in the U.S., and help improve education, research and awareness of chronic pain to physicians and pain sufferers throughout the country.

"Boston Scientific will continue our work on this broad pain care legislation," added Onuscheck. "We take our leadership responsibilities in this industry seriously and believe that improving care for pain patients benefits all of us. We will continue to educate our elected officials about the importance of the National Pain Care Policy Act and push for final passage by the Senate."

Chronic pain presents a major challenge to the U.S. healthcare system. With an estimated 75 million Americans affected by chronic pain, the cost to the public in terms of health care, lost productivity and litigation is estimated at $100 billion every year. The effects of chronic pain can contribute to job loss, depression, fear, anxiety, isolation, sleep disorders and marital and family dysfunction.

About Boston ScientificBoston Scientific is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices whose products are used in a broad range of interventional medical specialties. For more information, please visit: http://www.bostonscientific.com/.

About Boston Scientific Neuromodulation
Boston Scientific Neuromodulation is an innovation leader in implantable pain management technology. The use of pulses of electricity delivered directly to the nerves, known as Spinal Cord Stimulation, has been in use for more than 30 years without the unwanted side effects and long-term costs associated with pain medications. Spinal Cord Stimulation is a reversible therapy that has helped thousand of people find relief from chronic pain.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements[color
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words like "anticipate," "expect," "project," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "intend" and similar words. These forward-looking statements are based on our beliefs, assumptions and estimates using information available to us at the time and are not intended to be guarantees of future events or performance. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements regarding our product performance, regulatory approval of our products, our growth strategy, and our market position. If our underlying assumptions turn out to be incorrect, or if certain risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. These factors, in some cases, have affected and in the future (together with other factors) could affect our ability to implement our business strategy and may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the statements expressed in this press release. As a result, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of our forward-looking statements.

Factors that may cause such differences include, among other things: legislative activity, future economic, competitive, reimbursement and regulatory conditions; new product introductions; demographic trends; intellectual property; litigation; financial market conditions; and, future business decisions made by us and our competitors. All of these factors are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many of them are beyond our control. For a further list and description of these and other important risks and uncertainties that may affect our future operations, see Part I, Item 1A - Risk Factors in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we may update in Part II, Item 1A - Risk Factors in Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q we have filed or will file thereafter. We disclaim any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or in events, conditions, or circumstances on which those expectations may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. This cautionary statement is applicable to all forward-looking statements contained in this document.

  CONTACT:  Paul Donovan
            508-650-8541 (office)
            508-667-5165 (mobile)
            Media Relations
            Boston Scientific Corporation

            Larry Neumann
            508-650-8696 (office)
            Investor Relations
            Boston Scientific Corporation

SOURCE: Boston Scientific Corporation

CONTACT: Media Relations, Paul Donovan, office, +1-508-650-8541 or
mobile, +1-508-667-5165, or Investor Relations, Larry Neumann, office,
+1-508-650-8696, both of Boston Scientific Corporation

Informational:
http://www.advocacyforpatients.org/

Patient Advocacy
You may request assistance by writing to attorney Jennifer C. Jaff, Esq. at patient_advocate@sbcglobal.net  or by calling her at (860) 674-1370

Order our how-to book NOW!WELCOME to Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness, Inc., where patients can get free information, advice and advocacy services in areas including but not limited to the following:

*How to get your own medical records.

*How to get and keep health insurance.

*How to get health insurance coverage for particular treatments, drugs, and/or therapies.

*How to get private disability insurance coverage.

*How to get Social Security Disability Income.

*How to assert your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

*How to assert your rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

*How to ensure that schools accommodate students with chronic illnesses, & much, much more.

You may request assistance by writing to attorney Jennifer C. Jaff, Esq. at patient_advocate@sbcglobal.net or by calling her at (860) 674-1370. If she can't help you, she will try to direct you to an appropriate resource.

Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness, Inc. will provide advocacy services not including litigation. If your claim cannot be resolved without litigation, we will attempt to refer you to an attorney in your area to bring suit on your behalf.

Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness, Inc. needs your help!

Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness, Inc. will help patients regardless of their ability to pay. However, our ability to provide services depends on available funding. We will not charge patients a fee for our services, but will accept donations.

Please mail donations to the address below:

Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness, Inc.
c/o Jennifer C. Jaff
18 Timberline Drive
Farmington, CT 06032

Informational:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/patientrights.html

Patient Rights ~ General Information ~
As a patient, you have certain rights. Some are guaranteed by federal law, such as the right to get a copy of your medical records, and the right to keep them private. Many states have additional laws protecting patients, and healthcare facilities often have a patient bill of rights.

An important patient right is informed consent. This means that if you need a treatment, your health care provider should give you the information you need to make a decision.

Many hospitals have patient advocates who can help you if you have problems. Many states have an ombudsman office for problems with long term care. Your state's department of health may also be able to help.

Informational:
   :D  I would like to mention...  This article is written by the Cancer Society however the info. applies to all!!!  Gentle Hugs & Love!   :D 

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/mit/content/mit_3_2_patients_bill_of_rights.asp

The Patient's Bill of Rights
What is the Patient's Bill of Rights?

Here you will find a summary of the Consumer Bill of Rights and Responsibilities that was adopted by the US Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in the Health Care Industry in 1998. It is also known as the Patient's Bill of Rights.

The Patient's Bill of Rights was created to try to reach 3 major goals:

1) To help patients feel more confident in the US health care system; the Bill of Rights:

    * Assures that the health care system is fair and it works to meet patients' needs
    * Gives patients a way to address any problems they may have
    * Encourages patients to take an active role in staying or getting healthy

2) To stress the importance of a strong relationship between patients and their health care providers

3) To stress the key role patients play in staying healthy by laying out rights and responsibilities for all patients and health care providers

This Bill of Rights also applies to the insurance plans offered to federal employees. Many other health insurance plans and facilities have also adopted these values. Even Medicare and Medicaid stand by many of them.

The 8 key areas of the Patient's Bill of Rights
Information for patients

You have the right to accurate and easily-understood information about your health plan, health care professionals, and health care facilities. If you speak another language, have a physical or mental disability, or just don't understand something, help should be given so you can make informed health care decisions.

Choice of providers and plans

You have the right to choose health care providers who can give you high-quality health care when you need it.

Access to emergency services

If you have severe pain, an injury, or sudden illness that makes you believe that your health is in danger, you have the right to be screened and stabilized using emergency services. You should be able to use these services whenever and wherever you need them, without needing to wait for authorization and without any financial penalty.

Taking part in treatment decisions

You have the right to know your treatment options and take part in decisions about your care. Parents, guardians, family members, or others that you choose can speak for you if you cannot make your own decisions.

Respect and non-discrimination

You have a right to considerate, respectful care from your doctors, health plan representatives, and other health care providers that does not discriminate against you.

Confidentiality (privacy) of health information

You have the right to talk privately with health care providers and to have your health care information protected. You also have the right to read and copy your own medical record. You have the right to ask that your doctor change your record if it is not correct, relevant, or complete.

Complaints and appeals

You have the right to a fair, fast, and objective review of any complaint you have against your health plan, doctors, hospitals or other health care personnel. This includes complaints about waiting times, operating hours, the actions of health care personnel, and the adequacy of health care facilities.

Consumer responsibilities

In a health care system that protects consumer or patients' rights, patients should expect to take on some responsibilities to get well and/or stay well (for instance, exercising and not using tobacco). Patients are expected to do things like treat health care workers and other patients with respect, try to pay their medical bills, and follow the rules and benefits of their health plan coverage. Having patients involved in their care increases the chance of the best possible outcomes and helps support a high quality, cost-conscious health care system.

Other bills of rights

This bill of rights focuses on hospitals and insurance plans, but there are many others with different focuses. There are special kinds, like the mental health bill of rights, hospice patient's bill of rights, and bills of rights for patients in certain states. Insurance plans sometimes have lists of rights for subscribers. Many of these lists of rights tell you where to go or whom to talk with if you have a problem with your care. The American Hospital Association has a list of rights along with patient responsibilities that can help a person be a more active partner in his or her health care. (See the "Additional resources" section below.)

Health insurance problems

If you have concerns about your insurance, it is sometimes helpful to start with customer service or a case manager at your health insurance company. For information about dealing with insurance claims, see our document Medical Insurance and Financial Assistance for the Cancer Patient.

Additional resources - More information from your American Cancer Society
The following related information may also be helpful to you. These materials may be ordered from our toll-free number, 1-800-227-2345.

    * Informed Consent (also available in Spanish)
    * Choosing a Doctor and a Hospital (also available in Spanish)
    * Talking With Your Doctor (also available in Spanish)
    * Medical Insurance and Financial Assistance for the Cancer Patient (also available in Spanish)
    * Children Diagnosed With Cancer: Financial and Insurance Issues

National organizations and Web sites*

Along with the American Cancer Society, other sources of information and support include

American Hospital Association
Toll-free number: 1-800-242-2626
Web site: www.aha.org
AHA's Patient Care Partnership brochure teaches patients about rights and responsibilities in regard to their hospital stay. (It comes in English, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.) The brochure is sold in bulk orders only and there is a fee for non-members. But you can download it free, in any of the languages, at: www.aha.org/aha/issues/Communicating-With-Patients/pt-care-partnership.html.

National Library of Medicine
Web site: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/patientrights.html
This site has information on patient rights along with many links to other sources of related information

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Toll-free number: 1-800-633-4227
TTY: 1-877-486-2048
Web site: www.cms.hhs.gov

*Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement by the American Cancer Society.

No matter who you are, we can help. Contact us anytime, day or night, for information and support. Call us at 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
References

President's Advisory Commission on Consumer Protection and Quality in the Health Care Industry. Consumer Bill of Rights and Responsibilities. Accessed at: http://www.hcqualitycommission.gov/final/append_a.html on December 18, 2009.

US Office of Personnel Management. Patients' Bill of Rights. Accessed at: http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/billrights.asp#what on December 18, 2009.

Last Medical Review: 12/22/2009 ~ Last Revised: 12/22/2009

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