CanThera Cancer Therapy Center
1314 East Sonterra Blvd
Suite 5101
San Antonio, TX 78258
Phone: (210) 404-0044
FAX:    (210) 404-0045

Your Rights and Responsibilities

You are an adult, and in dealing with your disease you have your rights and responsibilities just like with any other aspect of your life.

Your Rights

• You have a right to decide how much you want to know.
  
  
  Everybody is different. Some people want to know every detail of their disease and all possible therapeutic options. Other people prefer to know a more general outline of things without in-depth descriptions. There is no single right or wrong way to fit everyone. Although we would prefer to give you all the available information, we will respect your right to choose a more limited version. Keep in mind, however, that this is your choice; we will never allow anybody else, including your family or friends, to make it. We will discuss this question during your first visit and will build our relationship accordingly. You have to understand, however, that even if you chose not to discuss all the particulars, we will still have to tell you enough so that you could make informed decisions.
  
  
• You have a right to decide on your treatment strategy.
  
  
  This does not mean that you can pick the drugs or ask us to administer an untested or unsafe treatment. What it means is that you will decide, for example, how aggressive you want to be, which of the reasonable treatment options best fits your life style, request a “treatment holiday” to recuperate, go on vacation or just relax, or tell us that you do not want any active therapy at all. If we think that your request is not in your best interests from a medical standpoint, we will explain this to you and ask you to reconsider, but as long as you understand all the consequences, the ultimate decision is yours. Once you selected your path, we will support you in any way we can. Keep in mind, however, that no decision is final and you are always allowed to change your mind.
  
  
• You have a right to ask questions.
  
  
  There are no stupid questions. The only stupid thing to do is not to ask them. We need to be absolutely sure that we are on the same page. It is not only your right, but also your responsibility, to let us know if you did not understand the information we provided.
  
  
• You have a right for a “second opinion.”
  
  
  All cancer doctors develop treatment preferences based on what we read, what we hear at the meetings, what good or bad things we experienced in our practices. These preferences might differ. This is actually good news. It happens because today, with multiple available anti-cancer drugs and procedures, cancer doctors have a lot of choices. We will not get offended if you want to have a “second opinion”, and will help you to obtain it. Two minds are always better than one and we want you to be comfortable and secure with your treatment decisions.
  
  
• You have a right for confidentiality.
  
  
  These days, cancer treatment is a team effort. Specialists in different areas (for example, primary care doctors, surgeons, radiation oncologists, lung doctors, nutritionists and many others) have to talk to each other to devise the best plan and to achieve the best results. We will ask your permission to engage in these discussions and to provide other specialists with all the necessary information about your disease and general state of health. We will also have to provide your health information to insurance companies and, if required by law, to law enforcement agencies. Except for these communications, we will do our best to keep your information confidential.
  
  
• You have a right to get a detailed explanation of all the financial charges.
  
  
  There is nothing to explain in this section. This is your right and we expect you to exercise it any time you wish.
  
  
• You have a right to be treated with respect by all the members of our team

Your Responsibilities

• You are responsible for providing us with correct information about yourself, your disease and your medical history.
  
  
  We want to tailor your care to fit you, but we will be unable to do so unless you give us correct information. Some omissions could be dangerous, like forgetting to mention a drug allergy or a new medication.
  
  
  
• You are responsible for letting us know when you did not understand the information we provided, especially concerning your plan of care, which includes treatment types and side effects, schedules, supportive care, drugs and so on.
  
  
  
• After you approve your plan of care, you are responsible for following it precisely, which means taking all the necessary medications, asking for refills in a timely fashion, coming for treatment and follow up appointments on time and informing us in advance if you are unable to do so.
  
  
  
• You are responsible for letting us know when something is wrong.
  
  
  In oncology, there is no small problem. If you do not feel well, please let us know right away. Quite often, things we could easily fix if we do it on time could cause a lot of grief and even lead to serious consequences if left unattended.
  
  
  
• You are responsible for your financial obligations to us.
  
  
  Let’s face it, we will not be able to keep working if we are not paid. If there are problems, you could always talk to our financial councilor who will help you find a solution.
  
  
  
• You are responsible for treating all members of our team with respect.