PATIENTS' RIGHTS

Improve your chances for quality care

Patients of the military health system can take steps to head off potential problems.

Patients in military hospitals and clinics don't have the same rights patients have in the civilian health care system. But experts say there are several steps you can take to improve your chances of getting quality care.

Don't be kept waiting: Many malpractice complaints involve patients who were kept waiting, sometimes for hours, when they were seriously ill. If you believe you or your child is sick and needs a doctor, demand to be seen. Like any other bureaucracy, the military health care system responds to a squeaky wheel.

Ask questions: If you don't know the name of the military doctor to whom you are assigned, ask. Find out first if the doctor is really a doctor. He or she may be a physician assistant or a nurse. Then make sure the care provider knows you know his or her name. If you are concerned about your doctor's competence, demand to know if he or she is board-certified in a specialty or even licensed. The military medical system's first responsibility is to be prepared for combat; among other things, this means training interns and residents. You may be your doctor's first patient. Military hospitals have credentials officers, and many will tell you what a specific doctor's credentials are.

Take notes: If a nonphysician requires you to wait when you feel you need a doctor or tells you to go home, make a point of getting that person's name. Make sure that person sees you write it down.

Be persistent: If you believe you are seriously ill, try to insist on seeing a specialist. If told a specialist is not available, ask for a "certificate of nonavailability,'' allowing you to go to a civilian doctor with partial reimbursement from the military's Tricare system. You may not get the certificate, but you put the system on notice and might get more attentive care as a result.

Don't let rank intimidate you: Many family members of enlisted military personnel are unwilling to question doctors and nurses, who are officers. They are responsible for your welfare. If your health is on the line, don't let someone's rank keep you from asking questions or getting information.

Know your rights: All military hospitals have publications on patient rights and responsibilities and patient privacy. Ask for them. They can tell you who has access to your medical records and what policies are in place to assist patients.

Main story:	Laws And Rulings Shield Doctors Military personnel and their families often can do nothing when victimized by the military's health care system.
Sidebars to Part 7:	SUPREME COURT CHALLENGE TO LAWSUIT BAN REJECTED The Court this week refused to review the ban in the case of a world-class runner who was left crippled. PATIENTS' RIGHTS IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES FOR QUALITY CARE Patients of the military health system can take steps to head off potential problems. CONTACT LIST MEMBERS OF CONGRESS WHO OVERSEE MILITARY HEALTH CARE