It is time for the empowered patient  to have a standard of care for the medical profession.  It is not just a patient's rights concept.  I don't need someone to give me the right to be cared for, be treated with dignity, receive care in a timely manner or have a doctor.  I believe I have that inherent right.  Standards of care are what I expect and want from a provider and hospital.  The medical profession has standards of care of how to treat or not treat my illness, my time and my follow up.  If I believe I am an equal partner in my healthcare, then I need to have a standard by which I measure my providers.  For so long patients have been like baseball players before free agency.  We are not involved or maybe peripherally involved with decision making.  We are often limited by our insurance options and are grateful we have a payer source.  We have come to expect the 15 minute visit, the wait for specialty appointments and procedures, and the slow response to follow up questions.  

The empowered patient's standards of care offers a way for the consumer to be a participatory member of the healthcare team.  All things being equal, the consumer is a vital piece of the puzzle. A standard of care could address medical relationships, expectations,  communications, team participation while being respectful and supportive.  What it is not, is a list of demands.  It is a guideline for the manner in which I expect my healthcare needs to be considered and managed.

What would be in a patients standard of care?   Here is one idea.  Questions answered whether in the office , by phone or email in a timely fashion.  Here's another idea.  I expect the provider/ hospital to listen to the information I have gathered in regards to treatment options and work with me.  These are just two ideas and there are many more.  

I have started telling my advocacy clients, believe in yourself as the empowered patient.    The threshold has been crossed as to the changing role of the patient.  Knowledge, information and technology have facilitated that  change.   Many, but not enough, in the medical profession have embraced the change.  Just like free agency, there is no looking back.