Legal Information
Ownership Disclosure
The physician who referred you to Northgate Surgery Center may have an ownership interest in this facility. You have the right to seek care at any facility of your choosing for the services recommended by your physician.
⸻
Non-Discrimination Policy
Northgate Surgery Center does not discriminate against any person on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability. This applies to all aspects of patient access, admission, treatment, participation in programs and services, and employment.
⸻
Protection of Health Information
We are committed to maintaining the privacy and security of your personal health information. Northgate Surgery Center complies with all federal privacy regulations as outlined by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office for Civil Rights.
For more information on HIPAA and your rights, visit: www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/
Download our HIPAA Privacy Notice
⸻
Independent Contractor Notice
Please be advised that physicians and other specialized healthcare providers who may be involved in your care at Northgate Surgery Center—including but not limited to anesthesia, pathology, and radiology professionals—are independent contractors, not employees or agents of the surgery center. As such, Northgate Surgery Center is not liable for their acts or omissions.
⸻
Advance Directives
Although advance directives are not required for admission to Northgate Surgery Center, they can help communicate your preferences regarding medical treatment should you become unable to express your wishes.
Our Policy: In the event of a life-threatening situation during your procedure, our team will take all appropriate resuscitative or stabilizing measures and transfer you to the nearest acute care hospital. Once transferred, further treatment decisions will be made in accordance with your advance directive and the hospital’s policies.
If you already have an advance directive, please bring a copy with you on the day of your procedure so it can be added to your medical record.
For more information or to access advance directive forms approved by the State of Colorado, please visit:
https://eforms.com/advance-directive/co/
No Surprises Billing Act – Your Rights and Protections
At Northgate Surgery Center, we are committed to transparent and patient-friendly billing practices. Under the No Surprises Act, you are protected from unexpected medical bills for certain out-of-network services provided at in-network facilities—like ours.
What Is a Surprise Bill?
A surprise medical bill is an unexpected charge you may receive when you unknowingly receive care from an out-of-network provider or facility. This often happens during emergencies or when you are treated by an out-of-network provider at an in-network facility.
Your Protections Under the Law:
As of January 1, 2022, both federal law (No Surprises Act) and Colorado state law protect you from:
- Balance billing for emergency services, even if you get them out-of-network without prior authorization.
- Balance billing for non-emergency services provided by out-of-network providers at in-network facilities, unless you give written consent.
- Cost transparency: You are entitled to a Good Faith Estimate for non-emergency services if you’re uninsured or self-paying.
- Provider transparency: You have the right to know if any providers involved in your care are out-of-network.
What Is Balance Billing?
Balance billing is when a provider bills you for the difference between what your insurance pays and what the provider charges. This is not allowed in the situations covered by the No Surprises Act.
Good Faith Estimate
If you’re uninsured or paying out-of-pocket, you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate detailing the expected charges for medical services. This must be provided before your scheduled care or upon request.
⸻
Colorado Patient Bill of Rights
As a patient at Northgate Surgery Center, you are entitled to respectful, informed, and compassionate care under the Colorado Patient Bill of Rights. These rights are designed to protect your well-being and ensure transparency in your health care experience.
Key Rights Include:
- Respect & Non-Discrimination: You have the right to be treated with dignity, privacy, and without discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, disability, or financial status.
- Informed Consent: You have the right to clear information about your diagnosis, treatment options, and risks before consenting to care.
- Access to Medical Records: You may review and request copies of your medical records.
- Participation in Care: You can take part in decisions about your care, refuse treatment, and create advance directives.
- Confidentiality: Your personal health information will be kept private and shared only as allowed by law.
- Grievances & Complaints: You may voice concerns about your care without fear of retribution, and have them addressed promptly.
To learn more or to view the full Colorado Patient Bill of Rights, visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).