Can an ER doctor at the local ER refuse to treat a patient in the future b/c he hasn't seen a "real" seizure?

Question

I have seizures....some are epileptic, and some are not. I went to the ER tonight after a seizure and at the end of the night....the doctor told me not to come there again. He said that all of the seizures that he has seen in the hospital are non-epileptic and so there is nothing they can do to help me. I am on three AED's (medicine for seizure), and am being treated for epilepsy. A doctor who works at the hospital has seen one of my seizures, and says it is the real thing...they sent a counselor to talk to me and once she said there was nothing really wrong with me the doctor seemed to get very upset. Even if they don't believe that I have epilepsy, can they say "Don't bring her back here again unless it's a life and death emergency"? It is the county hospital, and the medics always take me... It just frustrates me to be treated this way. What if I get hurt...then what do I do? They doctor said "she'll come out of it eventually"..what if I dont and they refuse to care for me?

Answer 1

As far as I know an ER cant refuse treatment to anyone... My local hospital will make you sit and wait if your there for a non emergency such as someone going in because they have a cold which they get all the time.

Answer 2

You need to write the Chief of Medicine and/or the CEO of the hospital and tell them what you have told us, include the encounter with the counselor and what she said to you. Include names, dates, times, the whole 9 yards.

I have no doubt that that doctor and counselor will be disciplined (regardless of whether or not there is nothing the doctor can really do for you with non-epileptic seizures). It is mistreatment and a stunt that they will think twice before pulling again on some other patient and I hae no doubt that they will never pull it again on YOU.

I don't know that what they told you is exactly ILLegal, especially since they are convinced in their own minds that your seizures are not real and/or they can do nothing. Certainly they cannot turn you away if you show up. They have to at least check you out and write in your chart that they found/did nothing.

But, it was extremely unprofessional and undeserved the way you have been treated and the higher ups will recognize the smell of a lawsuit and bad publicity in the local paper from a mile away. They also would not want the Feds to come in, sniffing around, and investigating. The s**t will hit once they read what has happened to you and give you their assurance that it will never happen again. Be prepared for everybody in the ER to know your name and treat you well regardless of the ER visit's outcome.

Also, before you write, request a copy of your hospital records so you can see what they all wrote, whether any of it is true, whether they have labeled you a malingerer, etc. There will probably be a few for the copying, but it will be well worth it I assure you if only to have a personal record should you go to another hospital or see another doctor as an outpatient.

Don't delay. Get busy now!!!

Answer 3

They must assess you when you first get there, but they can refuse to do much beyond that if no treatment is deemed necessary. Every hospital has protocol, also. Surely if you come in with something life and death, you will be treated. If a hospital fails to treat you or anyone else appropriately for any illness and then you get worse or die due to neglect by the doctor or hospital, they can be held responsible in civil court.

Answer 4

I assume you are in the US. No, they cannot deny you medical care. In fact, you should always see a doctor when you have a seizure, regardless of if you come out of it before you get to the ER. I would file a formal complaint against the doctor because you want it on file that he does not want to treat you. Then, if he refuses you service in the future you can sue him for discrimination. If he refuses you and you end up having something wrong that particular time, you can hit him for malpractice, too. Plus, the hospital needs to be aware of his actions.

Answer 5

the doctor was an asshole, however, he probably had a very bad day. No, they are not allowed to refuse you at ANY emergency room in the US, Canada, the UK and many other countries. You at least need to be checked out to make sure you haven't given yourself a head injury after each seizure. Next time, ask for another doctor. You have the right to do that as well.

Answer 6

Maybe you should speak to a social worker at the hospital,concerning the ER doctors behavior. You have a right to be treated with respect!and not looked down upon, if you get no where with the social worker, then go and file a complaint with the chief of staff...

Answer 7

A neurologist should be able to diagnose you with an EEG at an office visit, then advise you on the need to see an ER. SOunds like you are self diagnosising.