Your rights as a men's health patient

Access and safety

You have the right to health care that meets your needs and to receive safe, high-quality care from registered professionals. You can check any doctor on the AHPRA public register of practitioners, and you are entitled to know who is treating you.

Safe care usually means a proper assessment, in person or by thorough telehealth, with appropriate blood tests and ongoing follow-up where relevant. A service that skips these steps is not meeting the expected standard.

Respect

You have the right to be treated as an individual, with dignity and respect, and without judgement about your age, body, sexuality, background or the questions you ask. Topics such as sexual health, mood or energy can feel awkward to raise, but a good doctor will listen.

Clear information and informed consent

You have the right to clear information about your condition, the possible benefits and risks of different options, and what costs may be involved. You can ask for information in plain language and take time to think before deciding.

Informed consent means you agree to a test or treatment only after you understand it. You can say no, ask for a second opinion, or change your mind. Nobody should pressure you into a decision on the spot or sign you up to a plan before you have spoken to a doctor.

Partnership

Partnership also means your doctor should explain why a test or plan is being suggested, what the alternatives are, and what would happen if you chose to wait. If you do not understand something, it is reasonable to ask the doctor to explain it again, write it down or give you reliable information to read at home.

If you are using telehealth, you still have the same rights. You can ask who you are speaking with, check their registration and request an in-person appointment if you would prefer one or feel something needs to be examined.

You have the right to be involved in decisions about your care and to include a partner, family member or support person if you wish. Bring a list of questions and notes about your symptoms; it helps make the most of a short appointment.

Privacy

Your health information should be kept private and secure, and used only for the purpose you agreed to. You have the right to access your own records and to ask how your information will be shared. Be cautious about giving detailed health information to websites that do not explain clearly how they protect it.

Giving feedback and making a complaint

You have the right to comment on your care and have concerns addressed. Start by raising the issue with the doctor or clinic. If that does not resolve it, you can contact AHPRA about a practitioner, or in Queensland the Office of the Health Ombudsman, which handles health service complaints.

Making a complaint should never affect the standard of care you receive. Keeping notes, receipts and copies of messages can help if you need to raise a concern.

Your choice of doctor

You are free to choose your own doctor and to change doctors. Any referral, including through AMPHA, is optional. AMPHA may receive fees for referring people to partner clinics, and that should never limit your choices.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• How to check a men's health clinic is legitimate
• What TGA advertising rules mean for men
• Consumer safety guides for men's health
• AMPHA advocacy