When it comes to healthcare, every patient has the right to receive the best possible care and treatment. In the Netherlands, the healthcare system is constantly aiming to improve patient outcomes and experiences to meet the highest standards. Therefore, it is essential to understand your rights as a patient to ensure you receive the best possible care. The primary care provider in the Netherlands is your general practitioner. Although registration with a GP is not technically required, the vast majority of citizens (over 95%) are registered with one of their choice, and patients can switch GPs as frequently as they like. To find a GP in your area, make use of our matchmaking tool. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the patient’s rights in the Netherlands and provide you with a basic understanding of the healthcare system.
What Health Rights do Patients Have?
Health rights come into play when an individual is either sick or in need of medical care. Patient rights in the Netherlands are based on the Healthcare Quality, Complaints and Disputes Act (WKKGZ). If you receive healthcare services in the Netherlands, these rights ensure that you are entitled to clear information, confidentiality, informed consent, access to medical records, complain, second opinion, receive visitors and the right to refuse treatment. Therefore, as a patient, it is essential to understand what these rights mean.
The Right to be Informed
Every patient has the right to clear information about their health status, the medical procedures they need to undergo, their recovery process, and any relevant changes to their condition and treatment, especially when the changes are significant. This information, including the expected prognosis for your condition, must be provided by your healthcare provider in a clear and understandable manner.
Confidentiality
The healthcare system in the Netherlands ensures that your personal information is kept confidential and only available to healthcare professionals who are involved in your care. The law also prohibits the use of your health data for any other purpose than your care without your explicit consent.
Informed consent
One of the most important patient rights in the Netherlands is the right to give informed consent before any medical treatment or procedure is carried out. This means that you have the right to receive all the information you need to make an informed decision about your treatment, including the risks, benefits, and alternatives. Your doctor is obligated to provide this information in a way that you can understand, and you have the right to ask questions and seek clarification if needed. You can also withdraw your consent at any time.
Access to Medical Records
As a patient in the Netherlands, you have the right to access your medical records. This means that you can request a copy of your records at any time, and your doctor or healthcare provider is required to provide them to you within 4 weeks. You also have the right to correct any errors in your medical records, and to have your personal information kept confidential.
The Right to Complain
If you are not satisfied with the care or treatment you receive in the Netherlands, you have the right to make a complaint. You can address your complaint to the healthcare provider or hospital in question, or to the relevant regulatory body. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can take your complaint to a disputes committee, which can make a binding decision in your case. You can also seek legal advice, or bring your case to court if necessary.
The Right to Second Opinion
The right to a second opinion is another important patients’ right in the Netherlands. If you are not sure about the diagnosis or treatment plan you have been given, you can ask for a second opinion from another doctor or specialist. Your healthcare provider is required to cooperate and provide you with all the necessary information to help you make an informed decision. The cost of the second opinion is usually covered by your health insurance.
The Right to Receive Visitors
If you are receiving treatment in a healthcare facility, you have the right to receive visits from anyone you wish. However, if you are a minor, your healthcare provider has the right to refuse visits if they deem it inappropriate due to your treatment or condition.
The Right to Refuse Treatment
Finally, as a patient in the Netherlands, you have the right to refuse medical treatment. This includes the right to refuse life-sustaining treatment, such as artificial respiration or feeding. If you are not able to make this decision yourself, your healthcare provider is required to consult with your family members or legal representatives to ensure that your wishes are respected.
Summing up
All patients have rights. Understanding these rights is essential to receive quality healthcare services. As a patient, you are entitled to information about your condition and the different treatment options, as well as the right to receive proper care and treatment. You also have the right to be treated with respect and dignity, to confidentiality, and to have access to your own data. If a healthcare provider refuses any of these rights, they must provide you with a valid reason. If you have any questions about your rights as a patient, you can talk to your healthcare providers or a patient representative.