The Patient Bill of Rights

The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) endorses a Patient's Bill of Rights with the expectation that compliance with the Bill of Rights of Rights will contribute to improved healthcare delivery to the patient with a spine disorder. The AASP is committed to educating the patient and facilitating their role in decision making about diagnostic and treatment options. The AASP Patient Bill of Rights represents a modified version of the American Hospital Association Patient Bill of Rights. The American Hospital Association encourages healthcare institutions to tailor their published bill of rights to their patient community.

The AASP Patient Bill of Rights acknowledges that:

1. The patient has the right to thoughtful and respectful care
   
2. The patient has the right to be informed about the most conservative method of spinecare available that may improve his or her condition.
   
3. The patient has a right to access conservative and cooperative spinecare.
   
4. The patient has the right to obtain complete and current information concerning the diagnosis, proposed treatment, and expected prognosis in terms that he or she may reasonably be expected to understand. When it is not advisable to give such information to the patient, the information should be made available to an appropriate person (medical proxy) on the patient's behalf.
   
5. The patient has a right make informed decisions about the plan of spinecare prior to and during the course of treatment. The patient also has the right to review information required for medical decision making and the granting of informed consent prior to the initiation of any procedure or treatment. This information shall include at a minimum: a description of the expected procedure or treatment to be used, disclosure of who will perform the procedure or treatment, review of the likely benefits or results from the procedure or treatment, what alternatives exist if any, what are the likely risks associated with the procedure or treatment, what may occur and the possible duration of incapacitation.
   
6. The patient has the right to refuse any and all therapeutic intervention to the extent permitted by law and to be informed of any medical consequences of this action.
   
7. The patient has a right to every reasonable consideration in privacy concerning the medical care provided except when there is an imminent risk to the individual or to others, or when the physicians is mandated or ordered by a court, state or federal statute to breach confidentiality. This right to privacy shall include case discussion, consultation, examination, and treatment.
   
8. The patient has a right to ask and be informed of the existence of business relationships the spinecare professional may have with a hospital, equipment manufacturer, educational institution, other healthcare providers, or payers that may influence the patient's treatment and care.
   
9. The patient has a right to every consideration in privacy concerning the financial aspect of their care in compliance with all state and federal guidelines.
   
10. The patient has the right to be advised if the attending physician(s), agency or facility proposes to engage in any form of human experimentation which might affect the care or treatment provided. The patient has the right to consent or refuse to participate in research projects or to withdraw continued consent to participation without repercussions. If a patient declines to participate in a research project, they are still entitled to the best available care for their condition.
    
11. The patient has the right to be informed of the general cost for a procedure or treatment which is being proposed.
    
12. The patient has the right to examine and receive an explanation of any and all itemized bills for professional services rendered.
    
13. The patient has the right to expect reasonable continuity of care when appropriate and is to expect to be reasonably informed of additional therapeutic options if applicable when either surgical or non-surgical spinecare is no longer appropriate.
    
14. The patient has the right to be informed about non-operative spinecare options without prejudice directed toward particular spinecare disciplines or specialties. 
    
15. The patient is to be informed of the need for a surgical opinion whenever necessary.
    

Inform a Colleague

Welcome to the Inform a Colleague area of the Academy Website. The American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP) strives to implement new and more efficient methods for members to communicate with other healthcare professionals. One of the most effective tools is the online "Inform a Colleague" function. This function can be used to expand and educate your spinecare referral network. It also represents a resource to conveniently inform others about trends in spinecare and about offers of organizations such as the American Academy of Spine Physicians (AASP), the International Spine Association (ISA). The link library also contains an application for membership with the AASP.

The online "Inform a Colleague" feature provides an invaluable time-saving service for keeping spinecare professionalsup-to-date, expanding the spinecare network, stimulating interdisciplinary referrals and for inviting colleagues to join the AASP. The library of links is always being updated with useful information and resources. The linked messages can be used to

The AASP eNewsletter features include: 1. Advances in Spinecare 2. Continuing Education Opportunities 3. Members in the News 4. Spine-Related Research 5. Member Services 6. Internet Technology News 7. Practice Development Opportunities 8. Emerging Technology 9. Social Networking Trends

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Join / Renew

Member:
This level of membership is for physicians (MD, DC, DO) whose practice/interest includes patients with spinal disorders. ($250)

Affiliate Member:
This level of membership is for allied healthcare professionals involved in spinecare and/or spine research. This includes physical therapists, massage therapists, exercise physiologists, nurse practitioners, nurses, physician's assistants, diagnostic technicians, surgical technicians, exercise instructors, personal trainers and individuals who hold a PhD and work in the field of spinecare. ($150)

Candidate Member:
This level of membership is for residents, fellows and students who have an interest in spinecare. ($35)

Membership Renewal

Membership will automatically renew each calendar year starting from the date of membership renewal or membership acceptance unless the AASP is specifically notified in writing by the member at least 30 days prior to their renewal date. Please address all correspondence to the AASP Office of Member Services.

Review the accuracy of your contact information and practice profile information including your email address. To update your profile online go to spinephysicians.org and login using your unique member ID and PIN as noted below.

Please notify the AASP if you no longer meet membership criteria. This includes maintaining an active license to practice.

American Academy of Spine Physicians Submit communication below: First Name: Last Name: Phone Number: Email: Website: Address: City: State: Zip Code: Interest: Request Call from Member Services Speaking Request Continuing Education Reasons to Join Billing Inquiry Department: Member Services Missions Department Technical Support Comments: AASP Membership Office Address: 1795 Grandstand Place City: Elgin State: Illinois Zip Code: 60123-4980 Telephone: (847) 697-4660 Fax: (847) 931-7975 Email: [email protected]