WHEN AM I ELIGIBLE FOR FREE AMBULANCE TRASPORTATION?

This applies to all emergency transports. In the case of non-emergency transports, the insurance company will cover the transportation costs when the doctor issues a referral—specifically when your doctor determines that you cannot reach the treatment location by public transport on your own.

MY FATHER HURT HIMSELF AND NOW CANNOT WALK. IS HE ELIGIBLE FOR AN AMBULANCE RIDE TO AND FROM THE DOCTOR’S OFFICE?

Non-emergency transport by ambulance (when it is not a life-saving situation) is allowed according to current regulations if it involves the transportation of an immobile insured person or in cases where public transportation could potentially harm the patient. The need for such transport will be determined by the insured person’s primary care physician, who is responsible for issuing the prescribed document, the ‘Transport Order,’ based on which the transport provider will carry out the service.

AM I ENTITLED TO TRANSPORTATION FROM HOME TO A HEALTHCARE FACILITY?

Correct, we will pick you up at your place of residence and bring you back.

CAN I CALL MEDITRANS TO DRIVE ME TO MY MEDICAL TREATMENT, IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT I AM ONLY ENTITLED TO A RIDE BY AN AMBULANCE FROM MY TOWN?

Of course, however be aware that you will have to cover the difference in price from the starting point on your own, as the insurance company will only cover the costs of transport from the closest ambulance station.

PATIENT’S RIGHTS

The Zakon o pacientovih pravicah (Patient Rights Act) published in February 2008, and effective from August 26, 2008, aims to improve the quality of the healthcare system in Slovenia. The law positions patients as the more vulnerable participants in the healthcare process, ensuring they are in a more advantageous position relative to healthcare providers in both the public and private sectors. This act enhances patients’ rights, providing them with better protection and access to healthcare services. It also seeks to ensure that patients are treated with respect, dignity, and fairness throughout their care.

DUTY OF EXPLANATION

The doctor has an obligation to inform the patient about the expected diagnostic procedures and treatment options in a way that the patient can understand.

Patients are often put in a position during treatment where they must sign consent forms for procedures, such as agreeing to a specific surgery or deciding on a treatment method. Since patients are generally not medical professionals, they are not familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of various treatment methods or surgical procedures.

The doctor must therefore explain everything related to the patient’s condition, available treatment options, and potential outcomes. The explanation should be brief, clear, understandable, and, most importantly, free of jargon.

CHANGING DOCTORS AND SECOND OPINION

If a patient is not satisfied with their doctor, they can change them at any time. The patient has the right to freely choose not only their doctor but also the healthcare provider. Every patient also has the right to a second medical opinion, but they must pay for it themselves.

Every patient has the right to access their health records. This right is most often exercised by the relatives of a deceased patient when there is a suspicion of medical malpractice during treatment. A doctor can only deny access to the deceased’s health records if the deceased explicitly requested this before their death.

REFUSAL OF TREATMENT

Patients have the right to refuse medical care. They can also refuse treatment in advance, for example, in cases where they will not be conscious. Every patient can indicate on a special form which medical treatments they do not allow, and this decision is valid for five years. The form must be signed by the patient, the personal doctor, and a patient’s rights representative. It must then be certified at the local administrative office or by a notary. The original form should be submitted to the nearest regional office of the Health Insurance Institute of Slovenia (ZZZS)

REPORTING MEDICAL ERROR OR NEGLIGENCE

Every patient who believes their rights have been violated has the right to file a complaint with the healthcare provider. This can lead to an investigation, correction of the error, an apology, and even financial compensation. Patients can report medical malpractice or negligence to the Patient Rights Advocate, who will then refer the case to the medical chamber. If the error or negligence is confirmed, the patient may also claim appropriate compensation for the consequences and inconveniences caused.

Anyone wishing to learn more about their rights can seek assistance from one of the Patient Rights Advocates, who are available in various locations across Slovenia: Ljubljana, Celje, Koper, Kranj, Maribor, Murska Sobota, Nova Gorica, Novo Mesto, and Ravne na Koroškem.

WAITING LISTS

Waiting lists are considered personal data collections. Patients are placed on waiting lists if the required healthcare is not urgent. They are added to the list in the order they are registered, with priority given to those whose health condition, according to professional standards, requires more urgent care.

Regarding waiting lists, the essence of respecting a patient’s time lies in treating patients according to the order in which they were added to the list. The law stipulates that patients can track any justified or unjustified changes in their place on the list and be informed of the reasons behind these changes.

In addition to this, patients have the right to be informed about the waiting time and the reasons for any delays by the healthcare provider where they are registered.