Patient Advocate
Your voice matters. If you have questions about your care, need help communicating with your care team or have a concern, our Patient Advocate is here to listen and help. As a neutral resource, the Patient Advocate works with patients, families and staff to address concerns, facilitate communication and support a positive care experience.
Connect With a Patient Advocate
Call: 218-545-5380
patientadvocate@cuyunamed.org
*Please do not include protected health information such as a date of birth.
Your Rights as a Patient
- Receive information about your care in a way you can understand.
- Request communication in your preferred language or accessible format.
- Participate in decisions about your treatment, including the right to refuse care.
- Know the members of your healthcare team.
- Receive safe, high-quality care.
- Have your pain recognized and treated appropriately.
- Be treated with dignity, respect, and without discrimination.
- Voice concerns and have them addressed.
- Be informed if an unexpected event affects your care.
- Have your privacy and personal health information protected.
- Have a support person or advocate with you.
- Review your medical record with a healthcare professional.
How to Help Us Provide the Best Care
- Taking an active role in your healthcare.
- Asking questions when something is unclear.
- Following your agreed-upon treatment plan.
- Providing accurate information about your health, medications, and allergies.
- Treating patients, visitors, and staff with courtesy and respect.
- Following hospital policies that help maintain a safe environment for everyone.
If Your Concern Is Not Resolved
If we are unable to resolve your concern, you may contact one of the following organizations:
Minnesota Department of Health
Office of Health Facility Complaints
651-201-4201 or 800-369-7994
The Joint Commission
800-994-6610
Medicare Beneficiaries
If you have concerns about the quality of your care, you may contact Commence Health, the Quality Improvement Organization for Medicare.
Phone: 888-396-4646
TTY: 888-985-8775 (preferred) or 711
Organization for Medicare
888-396-4646
TTY: 888-985-8775 (preferred) or 711
Office of the Ombudsman for Older Minnesotans
651-431-2555 or 800-657-3591
TTY: 800-627-3529
CRMC Super One Clinic Patients Only
If your concern remains unresolved after working with CRMC Super One Clinic, you may file a complaint with The Compliance Team, Inc. or call 800-291-5353.
Patient Advocate FAQ
Are Patient Advocates employed by CRMC?
Yes, but the Patient Advocate acts as a neutral party, serving as a link between you and the medical center. Patient Advocates are not lawyers and do not provide legal advice.
What kind of issues does the Patient Advocate handle?
A Patient Advocate looks into and helps resolve patient and family complaints regarding care. If you are not satisfied with your care or communication about it, a Patient Advocate can help you.
Who can talk to a Patient Advocate?
Patient Advocates can only discuss care concerns with the patient or their legal representative but will listen to all concerns.
If I have a concern, how will it be handled?
The Patient Advocate will look into your concern and work with you to resolve the issue. Your complaint is then entered into our database, and reports are sent to hospital leadership. This information is used to enhance the services we deliver. Our investigation will include:
- Asking your permission to start the investigation
- Talking with you and/or your family
- Talking with the person(s) named in your complaint
- Reviewing all appropriate documents, including your medical record if necessary
- Collaborating with you on a possible resolution
Can I report a complaint without giving my name?
Yes, but the investigation will be more difficult because we will not be able to use specific information about your case.
What if I want to report my complaint to an outside agency?
You can file quality of care complaints with the following agencies:
- Minnesota Department of Health, The Office of Health Facility Complaints: 651-201-4201 or 800-369-7994
- The Joint Commission: 800-994-6610
- Livanta (Medicare recipients): 888−524−9900
- Office of the Ombudsman for Older Americans: 651-431-2555 or 800-657-3591 or TTY: 771 800-627-3529
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