TMJD and Related Disorder’s Patient Bill of Rights
As a patient with TMJ disorder and/or chronic facial pain, I have the right to:
Have my physicians and/or providers listen to and consider my symptoms as serious issues.
Be an active participant in my healthcare solution.
A comprehensive examination that addresses my functional problems as well as my pain concerns.
Appropriate diagnostic testing including MRIs, tomograms, impressions, etc., when my problems are first evaluated and when my condition changes or worsens (including changes from splint therapy).
A complete, written diagnosis and treatment plan that will guide me on how to properly use any medications and appliances I might be given.
Be educated by my provider regarding the cause of my problem(s), treatment possibilities, and the pros, cons, and costs of each.
Contact the physician with any questions or concerns when the treatment plan seems to be inadequate, my appliance is not functioning correctly, or my pain is is not sufficiently controlled.
Obtain clear, prompt answers to any questions, appropriate time to make educated decisions, and a clear channel of communication between my physician and I regarding any treatment options.
Refuse treatment options with no repercussions.
Proper pain management instead of non prescription drugs, including access to opioids (and other prescription medications), alternative therapies, and physical therapy.
Be referred to a credentialed specialist: dentist, oral surgeon, neurologist, ENT, pain specialist, rheumatologist, etc if my circumstances do not improve, the physicians treatment is not successful, or my condition is out of the scope of that particular professional.
Courteous and respectful treatment in the emergency room as well as a written plan from my provider to present ER physicians.
Expect people I come in contact with: family, friends, co-workers, employers, and others to realize that I am doing the best I can to cope with my illness and to assist me in my efforts to improve my quality of life.
Expect my insurance company to recognize TMJ disorder and other related diseases as legitimate medical problems, similar to problems with knees, shoulders, or other joints in the human body.
1 thought on “TMJD and Related Disorder’s Patient Bill of Rights”
I almost cried, reading this. This should be required reading for all medical practitioners who treat TMJD patients and should be posted on the wall of every exam room. Thankk you, Candy.
As a patient with TMJ disorder and/or chronic facial pain, I have the right to:
I almost cried, reading this. This should be required reading for all medical practitioners who treat TMJD patients and should be posted on the wall of every exam room. Thankk you, Candy.