What rights do patients have when paying cash for services?

When patients pay cash for services, they often have specific rights regarding their personal health information (PHI). One of the primary rights is the ability to restrict the use and disclosure of their PHI. This is particularly relevant in situations where patients wish to keep their health information private, which may not be possible if they were billing through insurance due to the need for claims processing and communication with various entities involved in the coverage and payment process.

Patients paying cash may choose not to have their information shared with third parties or insurers, allowing them more control over their health information. This aspect underscores the importance of patient privacy and autonomy in healthcare, and it aligns with regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which grants patients rights over their health information.

While the other options may seem appealing or relevant, they are not universally applicable rights associated specifically with paying cash for services. Refusing treatment is a patient's right regardless of payment method, and while cash patients might request additional services or negotiate discounts, these are not guaranteed rights but rather contingent on the provider's policies and willingness to accommodate such requests.