— YOUR RIGHTS AT SKONA HEALTH —

Patient Rights & Responsibilities

At Skona Health, the patient-physician relationship is built on mutual respect, transparency, and trust. Understanding your rights and responsibilities helps us provide the best possible care. Skona Health is committed to providing care that is respectful, transparent, and centered on your wellbeing. This page outlines your rights as a patient and the responsibilities we ask of you in return so that we can maintain a practice environment that works well for everyone.

Respectful and dignified care

You have the right to be treated with courtesy, respect, and dignity at every interaction regardless of your age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or socioeconomic background.

Privacy and confidentiality

You have the right to have your personal and health information kept private and confidential in accordance with HIPAA and applicable Washington State law. Your information will not be shared without your authorization except as required by law or necessary for your care.

Right to refuse treatment

You have the right to refuse any recommended treatment, test, or medication after being informed of the potential consequences of that decision. We will respect your choices and continue to support your care to the extent possible.

Second opinions

You have the right to seek a second opinion from another provider at any time. We fully support your right to make informed decisions and will assist with records transfer or referrals as needed.

Use of AI scribe technology

Skona Health uses AI-assisted scribe technology to help document clinical visits. This tool listens to the conversation during your appointment and generates a draft clinical note, which Dr. Krishnan reviews, edits, and approves before it becomes part of your medical record. The AI does not make clinical decisions — it supports documentation only.

You have the right to:

  • Be informed before any appointment that AI scribe technology may be in use

  • Ask questions about how the technology works and how your data is handled

  • Opt out of AI scribe use at any time without affecting the quality of your care

  • Request that a specific conversation or portion of a visit not be recorded by the AI scribe

  • Review the final clinical note in your medical record and request corrections if needed

Audio processed by the AI scribe is not stored permanently and is not used to train external AI models. All data handling complies with HIPAA and applicable Washington State privacy law.

Your consent matters. By scheduling and attending an appointment at Skona Health, you acknowledge that AI scribe technology may be used during your visit. If you wish to opt out, please notify us before or at the start of your appointment and we will document your visit using traditional methods.

Informed consent

You have the right to receive clear, complete information about your diagnosis, proposed treatments, potential risks, and alternatives so that you can make informed decisions about your care. No treatment will be provided without your consent.

Access to your medical records

You have the right to access, review, and request copies of your medical records in a timely manner. You may also request corrections to your records if you believe information is inaccurate or incomplete.

Transparent pricing

You have the right to understand the cost of your membership and any additional services before committing. Skona Health is committed to pricing that is clear, honest, and free from surprise charges.

Right to file a complaint

You have the right to voice concerns or file a complaint about your care without fear of retaliation. Complaints may be submitted directly to Skona Health or to the Washington State Department of Health and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights.