Patient Rights & Informed Consent

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Clinical excellence is inseparable from patient autonomy. Every patient has the right to a clear explanation of their proposed clinical pathway, including the risks and benefits of all available alternatives. We believe that clinical decisions should be made through a confidential & collaborative process, free from coercion.

Your data belongs to you. In accordance with 2026 HIPAA updates and Massachusetts Patient Rights (M.G.L. c. 111, § 70E), you have the right to access, inspect, and receive copies of your medical records.  We maintain strict boundaries and do not participate in surreptitious third-party monitoring.

Consent is an ongoing process, not a one-time event.  You have the right to refuse any treatment or intervention, at any time, without fear of retaliation.  We support your right to seek another provider & will facilitate the transfer of records to a provider of your choice.

We mandate a formal Informed Consent process prior to any clinical intervention.

We assume no liability for the practices of any third-party.  

If you believe your rights have been violated, you may file a complaint. There will be no retaliation for filing a complaint. To receive a paper copy or a formal receipt of this notice, please contact directly. 

• Contact Person: Compliance Officer
  Email: MelanieMStipp@proton.me
  Phone: +1-617-398-7511  

Last updated: January 05, 2026

All content herein on the Patient Rights tab of melaniestipp.com is subject to 17 U.S.C. § 106 - U.S. Code - Unannotated Title 17. Copyrights § 106.  Copyright © 2026 Melanie M. Stipp Anesthesia Services, PLLC - All Rights Reserved.

Under the federal No Surprises Act, you are protected from "balance billing" and "surprise billing" when you receive emergency care or are treated by an out-of-network provider at an in-network hospital or ambulatory surgical center. Melanie M. Stipp Anesthesia Services, PLLC  is committed to transparency; we ensure you are never responsible for more than your plan’s in-network cost-sharing amounts for covered surprise bills.

For Private-Pay Services, please schedule at least 3 business days in advance if you would like to obtain a (Good Faith Estimate) GFE.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services within one (1) business day of your scheduled appointment, provided the service is scheduled at least three (3) business days in advance.

• 3–9 Business Days in Advance: We will provide a GFE within 1 business day of scheduling.
• 10+ Business Days in Advance: We will provide a GFE within 3 business days of scheduling.

If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you may dispute the bill directly to our clinic or via the federal dispute resolution process.

• For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

In accordance with Massachusetts law, we provide clear notification of our network status. For all scheduled services, regarding our network status and the anticipated costs of your care. Patients have the right to know if a provider is in-network or out-of-network before services are rendered. We provide cost estimates for all planned medical services upon request within two business days. This ensures you have full sovereignty over your healthcare financial decisions.

If you believe your rights have been violated, you may file a complaint. There will be no retaliation for filing a complaint. To receive a paper copy or a formal receipt of this notice, please contact directly. 

• Contact Person: Compliance Officer
  Email: MelanieMStipp@proton.me
  Phone: +1-617-398-7511  

Page last updated: Mar. 29, 2026

All content herein on the Patient Rights tab of melaniestipp.com is subject to 17 U.S.C. § 106 - U.S. Code - Unannotated Title 17. Copyrights § 106.  Copyright © 2026 Melanie M. Stipp Anesthesia Services, PLLC - All Rights Reserved.