Tag: physician-patient communication

Stopping medical malpractice- how patients can help -conclusion

(previously posted under the title 6 reasons to sue your doctor-and how not to-conclusion) 

The final  reason to sue your doctor involves feelings ,which is more  difficult to quantify and illustrate than the behaviors I have discussed before. Attorney Richard Baker tells physicians, “Don’t be afraid to face them (family of a patient with a bad outcome.) It’s important to let them know you understand how they feel. Compassionate gestures count.”

The best way for physicians and patients to work through their feelings about a bad outcome is to start out with a mutually respectful, cooperative relationship. Just like any other relationship, there may be times of disagreement; but these can and should be resolved with each satisfied that their viewpoint has been listened to and considered and  are comfortable with the final decision.

mission trip in Mexico; photo by Brian Edgerton
mission trip in Mexico; photo by Brian Edgerton

More important than liking your doctor is feeling comfortable with their personality and communication style, respecting their knowledge and skill, and trusting that they will behave ethically and do what is in the patient’s best interest. Patients contribute to the relationship by respecting the doctor’s time, observing boundaries on the doctor’s personal life, and being financially responsible.

When you are unhappy with some aspect of your care, doctors prefer that you address the issue directly and respectfully; no one likes feeling attacked personally. A complaint should be as specific as possible and include what you think is the solution. If you find yourself feeling disappointed, frustrated, or angry at your doctor more times than not, don’t let the situation drag on or escalate. It’s time to admit that the relationship is not compatible and move on.

Here are some ideas on how to find a new doctor.

Here is a summary of the 6 ways patients can help stop medical malpractice suits: 

  1. Cultivate communication

    Doctors need to do it better, and patients need to feel that their input is welcome and valued.

  2. Understand what’s happening

    Doctors need to explain information and patients should ask questions when they don’t fully understand

  3. Credentials

    Doctors need to stay current in their specialty certifications and licensure and patients need access to that information.

  4. Follow up-

    Doctors need to report all diagnostic results and patients need to receive them

  5. Report problems-

    Doctors need to know if anything irregular is happening and patient should report their observations without fear of retaliation

  6. Establish rapport

    Doctors and patients don’t need to be BFFs but should respect each other and show kindness and compassion. We all need it.

Stopping medical malpractice- how patients can help – Part 2

 

(previously posted under the title 6 reasons to sue your doctor-and how not to-part 2)

In the article, “YOU’VE BEEN SUED FOR MALPRACTICE-NOW WHAT?” (Medical Economics, March 10, 2015) attorney Richard Baker offers 6 common reasons for malpractice lawsuits, and what physicians can do to prevent them. In this series I look at them from the patient viewpoint- what you can do to avoid getting care that makes you want to sue .

4.INADEQUATE FOLLOW-UP OF DIAGNOSTIC TESTS AND SPECIALIST REFERRALS

Physicians must report results of lab tests, x-rays, and other diagnostic studies directly to patients, without exception.

Make sure your doctor’s office has your current  contact information-address, phone, and email.

Ask the office staff how results will be reported-by mail, phone, or through a patient portal.

Access your medical records using a secure patient online portal if available.

Don’t   assume that “everything must be normal” just because you haven’t heard or read otherwise.

Reports from specialists may be  handled differently, depending on whether your doctor refers you for a consultation or refers you for ongoing care. Find out what you should expect from both doctors’ offices.

laboratory-313864_1280

an MRI of the human brain
an MRI of the human brain

5. IRREGULAR POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

No matter how careful hiring policies are , incompetent, unscrupulous and dishonest employees get into the healthcare system undetected. This is  bad for any industry, but in healthcare is  dangerous and even deadly.

One day I was seeing patients  when a pharmacist called saying she took a phoned in prescription for a narcotic pain medicine earlier that day and wanted to confirm .  But no one from my office had called her.  A  former employee had been using my name and my DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) registration number to call narcotic prescriptions for herself and an accomplice to multiple pharmacies for several weeks.   I recently read an article in a major magazine about an x-ray tech who worked at multiple hospitals where he stole IV narcotic pain medication for himself, and infected multiple patients with  hepatitis C from his used syringes. He is now serving life in prison.

If you notice something out of line in a medical office or hospital, or if the care is not as expected, don’t hesitate to report it to someone in authority. You can do this anonymously, although the more specific information you provide, the more likely the situation can be corrected .Even if nothing proves to be wrong, it will  give them helpful feedback about their service.