Ask for medical bill before getting treated

Hospitals, health centers and clinics operating in Dubai are obliged to clarify patient treatment fees before providing medical service, said  the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) reported Emarat Al Youm.

The DHA said in a circular that the medical facilities have to investigate complaints from patients or their families within 72 hours.

It stressed that each facility is required to provide notice to the patient or his family explaining the rights and responsibilities - before providing medical service to them.

However, the authority confirmed that the patient and his family have a responsibility to respect the professionals who provide health services as well the rules and laws of the health facility.

DHA urges respect of privacy of patients in hospitals, health centers and abide by the rules and laws of the health facility.

The DHA emphasized in the circular its obligation to guarantee the rights and responsibilities of patients and their families and is keen to make sure to notify patients of their rights and responsibilities in an appropriate manner.

The DHA added that all health facilities in the emirate are obliged to provide notice to the patient or his family explaining to them the full rights and responsibilities in advance before providing care for the patient during the first assessment visit.

The DHA added that every patient has the right to full knowledge of the cost of treatment and health services provided by the facility and should be available to him and his family.

The DHA asserted that the health facilities should submit information about the cost of health services in the form of publication or brochure or any appropriate manner which assist the patient to figure out the cost of treatment.

The authority confirmed that the health facilities should keep documents showing that all patients were informed of their rights and responsibilities.

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