I was referred to an Ophthalmologist from my GP with a serious eye condition that I was told by several Optometrists needed immediate attention with almost daily checking. When I went to the doctor, he said it was indeed serious but didn't explain anything, prescribed a strong medication that can cause long-term damage if taken too long and then left his technicians, who knew nothing of my problem, to check up on me only after 2 weeks after my original appt (he was on vacation apparently). They then didn't contact me for another 2 weeks to tell me to stop taking the medication. This medication should never be taken that long (as I am told by my optometrist and another MD) and one needs to slowly wean oneself from it, which I was not told to do. Although I took myself off the medication beforehand, I want the world to know how bad this doctor treated me without litigating. What should I do that will make them take notice? Websites, complaints, etc.??? Thanks.
2007-10-12 14:57:53 · 12 answers · asked by ADubya 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
You can do all of the above, but why don't you want to litigate? You may not have to go to court, you can settle out of court beforehand. But you DO need to see an attorney!
This man needs to be stopped from doing it again, seeing an attorney will force him to file a claim with his malpractice insurance which is costly to begin with. It will make him either have to pay WAY more in costs to keep insurance or if he is not able to, fold altogether. Either way you hit him and you hit him hard and if a person like this is practicing, this is what he needs. Otherwise others will suffer the same fate as you and you DO have the power to prevent this.
Do NOT wait or worry about costs, most attorneys will accept cases and not charge until/if a settlement can be reached and that is what you need to focus on.
As stated, it doesn't have to go to litigation/court, it can be settled well before that time, but it will make him stand up and take notice and it may make him think twice, loose his insurance or pay exorbitant prices which can possibly ruin him financially/or force him to not be able to practice. But Do take action!
2007-10-12 15:21:22 · answer #1 · answered by LDBK 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
So what is the malpractice here? Not telling you (assuming they knew) has posed no risk to your child unlike if it were a heart condition or suchlike, and what could they have done? Judging by the quality of ultrasound pictures I very much doubt that the deformed facial features were obvious, I can only just make out the vague shape of the baby. Even if they had known and told you what would you have done, had an abortion? not very good being seen to not want a child because his face is slightly deformed! I think you are just angry and want to take it out on someone, go ahead if you like but the whole case would rest on being able to determine the deformity from the ultrasound and even if you could I doubt you'd win. Sorry but there probably isn't much you can do.
2016-05-22 04:18:40 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't agree with the "overdramatizing" answer. If everyone was dismissed as overdramatizing, malpractice would run rampant. It is your life and your health, and being comfortable and concerned about your medical care is very important.
It's difficult to prove malpractice, and many medical professionals have clauses to protect them against such claims.
First and foremost, you need to be comfortable with your medical provider. Since this wasn't the case, the first thing to do is to stop going to him. The second thing is to tell your GP about your experience and request a different specialist.
The media probably won't care in the absence of a malpractice suit, unless you find a "radical" media source and then the story wouldn't be believed by mainstream people. Since you don't want to litigate, word of mouth seems to be your remaining option. Tell all your friends, tell them to tell their friends, etc.
Some specialists are listed on web sites where you can provide feedback. I don't remember the name of any site offhand, but I did visit one site to provide a good review. Some such sites are questionable in integrity, especially if the specialist pays for his listing.
If "local" web sites offer user forums, they can be effective places to voice your concerns.
In any case, you may wish to remain anonymous if at all possible. The last thing you want is for the specialist's lawyer to come after you for libel and/or slander. If that happened, you would (at a minimum) have to "cease or desist" or challenge him in court to prove he really is a slime ball, which you are avoiding.
You can report him to authorities referred to in other people's answers, but I don't know how far that will get you. Without thorough documentation, it would be hard to prove. It could end up being your word against his. :-( On the other hand, if there are a large number of complaints against this specialist,
the authorities might take notice. I doubt many people are likely to do that, but (at a minimum) you spoke your piece and did what you could do.
2007-10-12 15:47:43 · answer #3 · answered by James H 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
AMA.com
In future you need to ask questions. When he said it wasn't serious and didn;t explain it was then you should have asked him whatever you weren't clear on. Patients must take some responsibility for their own care, doctors are busy and forgetful sometimes and it is up to the patients to take an active part in their own care. If that's the worst experience you ever have with a doctor, count yourself VERY lucky.
FYI: This would not warrant litigation at all. The doctor did not treat you badly he was simply neglectful re: his info. You're rather over dramatizing.
2007-10-12 15:04:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tell the state licenseing board and call yourself an ambulance chase. I doubt you will get much in the way of compensation as you went against orders and took yourself off the medication which hopefully prevented you from being damaged. It is the principle of the thing.
2007-10-12 15:06:05 · answer #5 · answered by MJ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get your self to another ophthalmologist. That's what you should have done during the first 2 weeks with no contact.
Then, why don't you contact a lawyer to see if you have a malpractice case?
2007-10-12 15:02:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Call up your local newspaper, or any newspaper. I'm sure they would LOVE to hear the story, considering what that doctor did was illegal. I myself work for an opthamologist, and he would never allow his techs to see patients on his behalf or do anything else that doctor did.
2007-10-12 15:01:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get a new one and report the bad doctor to the proper authorities.
2007-10-12 15:01:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
They will have a governing practice body usually in a major city which you should contact.
2007-10-12 15:01:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
report his actions to the state medical board.
2007-10-12 15:02:05 · answer #10 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋