What happens when doctors are wrong?

Question

Hello,

I went to the doctor's office about 6 weeks ago. She told me I have herpes and a ringworm and prescribed me some medicine for each.
4 weeks go by and the area around the 'ringworm' on my arm became red and messed up by using her medication she suggested. I see a dermatologist who says I clearly do not have herpes and it is clearly not a ringworm, but a simple small scar. And that the anti-fungal ringworm medicine is causing irritation all around it.

Shouldn't I get a refund for the doctor being wrong? I paid private pay and paid for the medicine. I called them up and they said their doctors are wrong often and it is OK for them to be wrong, and therefore I should not receive any refund.

Thoughts? Other experiences?

Answer 1

I don't know who "they" are when "they" said their "doctors are wrong often and it is okay for them to be wrong" but you need to find out who "they" is, get a name, write down the date and time of the call and exactly what was said to you. Of course this is just hearsay but such comments should never be made to clients. Very unprofessional and potentially harmful. Try to speak to the doctor herself and write down word for word what she tells you. If there is a business manager, appeal to them but get a name and write down the date, time and everything that is said to you.

Write all conversations in an objective manner. Write "Dr. Johnson stated "You have herpes and ringworm." Do not include subjective feelings or interpretations such as "She said angrily "You have herpes and ringworm!""

Now, write down exactly what happened from the beginning, what brought you to the doctor in the first place and everything that transpired including out-of-pocket costs to you. If you think you can prove damages, take the doctor to small claims court and attempt to recoup your expenses. If you can get your dermatologist to back you up, so much the better. If you can a copy of your medical records, including progress notes, get them soon. If the office prefers to fax them directly to your dermatologist, that's okay. You can get a copy from the derm once you sign a release.

Then call the local medical board and report this. Good luck.

Answer 2

I think it happens more often then people think. I had gone to one of those immediate care centers cause i wasn't feeling good dizzy,really bad headache that wouldn't go away,couldn't eat,diarrhea i thought it was the flu or something they told me it was a ear infection and gave me a antibiotic 1 week later my cough wasn't going away and my head still hurt it was hard to breath so i went back again and they said i had asthma and gave me a prescription for a cough medicine,and something for the congestion in my chest. I took the medicine before i went to bed woke up the next day with big itchy bumps all over my legs and arms and it was hard to breath. I went to the ER and was told i didn't have asthma i had ammonia and to stop taking the medicine that was prescribed to me. So i can relate to your situation.

Answer 3

If you want to put this to the test, take him to small claims court. I will bet the doctor won't show up and you will get a refund.. This should be done more often. Of course the doctors office told you no. They make mistakes all the time, hey lets face it some of them are fatal. I would like to know what you do! It costs about 30$ to start a small claims, claim.
This can be part of the cost you are going to recover. Become a part of history, get a buck back from the buggers.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, it happens. I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome for my paralyzed hand and it turned out to be multiple sclerosis. I refused to pay the $8 I owed after insurance paid. Happily we can get 2nd and 3rd opinions; however you have to pay every time. If you want to push it, send the first doc a letter and make your request. That's more likely to get a real response rather than a receptionist blowing you off.

Answer 5

hi, I worked in a Med-Surge wellness midsection for ten yrs and a Nursing homestead for 9 yrs. maximum Dr's think of they are warm crap. you're assume to appreciate what they are questioning and the thank you to study their scribble. they ought to speak clearer and write greater legible.

Answer 6

wait until its national health care and all doctors will be wrong

Answer 7

Don't you just sue them for millions over there?

Answer 8

http://www.healthgrades.com