Quality health care is a team effort. Patients need to collaborate with their healthcare professionals and facilities.
If you believe you are not receiving the care you need, you must speak up as an empowered member of your healthcare team. Demand better care for people living with an ostomy or continent diversion.
Until these healthcare rights are realized, and followed in all healthcare settings, will people living with an ostomy or continent diversion receive the care they need.
Adoption and utilization of these rights needs widespread support. You can join the movement by getting involved in the following ways:
The Ostomy and Continent Diversion Patient Bill of Rights is a self-advocacy tool. For patients, understanding your rights is key to ensuring you receive the best possible care. Print the download and use it as a basis for explaining the services you need with healthcare providers, health insurance plan administrators or while at the hospital or outpatient clinic. If you have questions or concerns, discuss them so you can make informed decisions. Ask how they can assist you by providing the needed care.
For handy convenience carry the wallet card version in your wallet or purse:
Wallet Sized in English:
If you are a healthcare provider or health system, an industry stakeholder or DME/HME provider of ostomy supplies and would like to include the PBOR in your patient discharge materials, educational materials or supply starter kits, please contact advocacy@ostomy.org.
The more awareness raised, the sooner changes and improvements will be realized.
Thank You For Your Interest In
UOAA Advocacy Efforts
Please contact us to let us know the issues that are important to you at 1-800-826-0826 or email our Advocacy Manager at advocacy@ostomy.org. You can also follow our advocacy efforts on Twitter @UOAA_Advocate.
Advocates for a Positive Change
Contact Us
United Ostomy Associations of America
P.O. Box 2293
Biddeford, ME 04005-2293
Call us toll-free at: 1-800-826-0826.
Our Information Line hours are Monday-Friday, 9am to 3pm EST. If you have an emergency, please dial 911 or contact your local medical professional.
Please understand that UOAA is a private, nonprofit, advocacy and informational organization. We are not a medical facility and we do not have medical or legal professionals on staff. Therefore, UOAA does not provide Medical, Mental Health, Insurance or Legal Advice. Visit UOAA Virtual Ostomy Clinic provided by The Wound Company for non-emergency, virtual ostomy support.
