Patient rights and responsibilities
What the law grants you
This English version is provided for convenience. If there is any difference, the Spanish version prevails: versión en español.
Law No. 8239 protects everyone who uses health services, both public and private. On this page we summarize your rights and responsibilities in plain language.
Your rights as a patient
Under Law 8239 (arts. 2 and 3), you have the right to:
- Receive clear information about your rights and responsibilities, and about how to exercise them.
- Know the name, professional degree and position of the person caring for you.
- Receive the necessary information and, based on it, accept or refuse a procedure or treatment.
- Dignified, respectful and kind treatment, without any distinction.
- Efficient and diligent care, in a clean, safe and comfortable environment.
- Be seen on time according to your appointment, except in cases of unforeseeable circumstances or force majeure.
- Refuse an examination or treatment.
- Agree or refuse to take part in research studies.
- Access your medical record and receive a copy.
- Have the confidentiality of your medical history respected.
- File complaints when you believe your rights have been violated.
- Receive a bill with the details and an explanation of what you are being charged.
Your responsibilities as a patient
The same law (art. 4) asks you to:
- Give us the most complete information possible about your health, past illnesses, medications and allergies.
- Follow the instructions of the healthcare staff.
- Take responsibility for your decisions when you do not follow those instructions.
- Respect the rights of the staff and of other users.
Informed consent
Before any procedure or surgery, the physician explains what it involves, its benefits, risks, alternatives and care. If you agree, you sign a written informed consent that is kept in your medical record (General Health Law, art. 22; Law 8239, art. 2.c; Code of Medical Ethics, arts. 49–53). You can ask anything you need, ask for time to think it over, and change your mind before the procedure.
Your medical record
- Your medical record is confidential. It is only accessed by authorized healthcare staff, bound by professional secrecy.
- You can request a copy of your medical record or a medical summary (discharge summary) by writing to consultas@clinicathuel.com (Law 8239, art. 2.k; Code of Medical Ethics, art. 131). We will provide it as soon as possible.
- We do not share your medical record with third parties without your written authorization, except by court order.
- You will find more about how we protect your data in the privacy policy.
How do I file a complaint?
1. At the clinic
Write to us at consultas@clinicathuel.com or on WhatsApp at +(506) 6053-5355, or tell us at the clinic. We will reply as soon as possible.
2. With the Ministerio de Salud (Ministry of Health)
If you believe your rights as a patient have been violated, you can go to the Auditoría General de Servicios de Salud (General Audit of Health Services) of the Ministerio de Salud (www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr). The complaint must be filed immediately or, at the latest, within 5 business days after the event. You can ask for your identity to be kept confidential (Law 8239, art. 14).
3. As a consumer
If your complaint is about charges, information or service conditions, you can go to the Comisión Nacional del Consumidor (National Consumer Commission) of the Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Comercio (MEIC), at www.consumo.go.cr (Law 7472, art. 46).
4. About your personal data
With the Agencia de Protección de Datos de los Habitantes (PRODHAB), at www.prodhab.go.cr.
In case of emergency
Clínica Thuel does not provide emergency services. If you have an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency service.
These rights and responsibilities are also posted on a visible board inside the clinic. Last updated: October 12, 2026.