Is there a way to determine if a Physician has violated Professional Ethics in dealing with a "patient"?

Question

Do Dr.s' really have "Professional Ethics" anymore? Under what circumstances may a Phsyician proclaim "that no Dr. - Patient relationship exists", even after conducting a Fitness For Duty Evaluation that is detrimental to the examinees conditions of employment?

Yes the Dr. did have me sign a "Patient Release of Confidential Information" form. How then can he then proclaim that I am NOT a "patient" when the form even identifies the individual as a patient???

Also, the Fitness For Duty Evaluation was mandatory, with the threat of disciplinary action (possible termination of employment) for not attending. Evaluation was conducted "outside" of regular work hours AND employee DENIED pay for the time required to be spent for "Work related activity."

Furthermore, I was able to obtain a copy through my employers' Human Resources Department. In his "professional" capacity..........the Dr. even stated that he WAS NOT QUALIFIED to perform the Evaluation he was requested to do.

Answer 1

If the Dr is working for the employer (Directly or indirectly), and that is made clear to the employee ahead of time, no Dr. - Patient confidentiality exists as to the Dr telling the employer the results of his tests.

A smart Dr will in any event get the patient to sign a release ahead of time as well, just to be safe.

Richard