Rights of Patients

A. Right to Receive Medical Care 

Patients have the right to receive appropriate medical service to protect their health. They shall not be discriminated against based on gender, age, religion, social status, or financial circumstance, and medical professionals shall not refuse treatment without a valid reason.

B. Right to Information and Self-Determination 

Patients have the right to receive a full explanation from their doctor or nurse on their medical condition, treatment methods, expected outcomes (including potential side effects), and medical costs. They also have the right to ask detailed questions and make decisions about their treatment.

C. Rights to Privacy Protection 

Patients have the right to have their treatment-related health and medical information kept confidential. Medical professionals and medical institutions may not disclose or release the treatment-related information of patients without their consent, unless otherwise required by law, such as criminal investigations.

Patients have the right to have their treatment-related medical information kept confidential. Medical professionals and medical institutions may not disclose or release the treatment-related information of patients without their consent, unless otherwise required by law, such as criminal investigations.

D. Rights to Seek Remedy for Damages 

If rights of patients are violated and results in physical or financial damages, the patients may seek consultation and file a claim to the Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency (02-6210-0114, www.k-medi.or.kr). 

 

Duties of Patients

A. Duty to Trust and Respect Medical Professionals 

Patients shall provide their health-related information to medical professionals and trust and respect their treatment plans.

B. Duty to Refuse Fraudulent Medical Treatment

Patients shall disclose their identity before receiving medical treatments and shall not get treatments under false or fraudulent means, such as using another person’s name.