how to report a bad patient

by Prof. Ernestine Mante 4 min read

The do’s and don'ts of calling out a patient's bad behavior

9 hours ago  · Be firm in the face of unacceptable behavior. “While in the moment I use plain language—no arguments, no apologizing or negotiating—when the situation later deserves to be explored, I will circle back to the bedside on my own.”. Trainees and medical students need to have this taught to them. >> Go To The Portal


File a written complaint with your local Better Business Bureau. Specify the dates and details of your negative experiences. While the Better Business Bureau cannot force your doctor to change, it can warn other consumers of patient grievances against him. Check with the American Medical Association to see if your doctor is currently a member.

To file a complaint about improper care or unsafe conditions in a hospital, home health agency, hospice, or nursing home, contact your State Survey Agency. The State Survey Agency is usually part of your State's department of health services.

Full Answer

How can I complain about poor medical care in a hospital?

How can I complain about poor medical care I received in a hospital? While you are in the hospital: If possible, first bring your complaints to your doctor and nurses. Be as specific as you can and ask how your complaint can be resolved. You can also ask to speak to a hospital social worker who can help solve problems and identify resources.

What should a physician do if a patient reports an incompetent/unethical?

Physicians who receive reports of alleged incompetent or unethical conduct should: (f) Evaluate the reported information critically and objectively. (g) Hold the matter in confidence until it is resolved. (h) Ensure that identified deficiencies are remedied or reported to other appropriate authorities for action.

How do I report a physician who does not have hospital privileges?

This should include notifying the peer review body of the hospital, or the local or state medical society when the physician of concern does not have hospital privileges.

How do I report a hospital infection?

Clinicians are often legally required to report specific diseases, including some hospital infections, to their local (city) Department of Public Health which will accept the report, conduct an investigation, possibly complete laboratory testing and make recommendations to control an outbreak or improve patient safety.

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How do you deal with a bad patient?

10 expert tips for dealing with difficult patientsDon't take it personally. "Just knowing that the nastiness is not about you is a good start." ... Look for the underlying cause. ... Learn to prioritize. ... Show that you care. ... Know your strengths & weaknesses. ... Pay attention. ... Stay calm. ... Connect with the patient.More items...•

What is the most common complaint of patients?

In total, 113 551 issues were found to underlie the patient complaints. These were analysed using 205 different analytical codes which when combined represented 29 subcategories of complaint issue. The most common issues complained about were 'treatment' (15.6%) and 'communication' (13.7%).

What is the complaint of the patient?

Patient Complaint means any expression of dissatisfaction of the care and treatment provided by a hospital, from a patient or the patient's representative.

How do I report someone to the NHS?

Contacting us to report NHS fraud You can report any concerns or suspicions you have about fraud or corruption within the NHS or wider health group to the NHS Counter Fraud Authority by calling our FREE 24hr confidential fraud reporting hotline powered by Crimestoppers on 0800 028 4060 .

What are the 10 rights of the patient?

Let's take a look at your rights.The Right to Be Treated with Respect.The Right to Obtain Your Medical Records.The Right to Privacy of Your Medical Records.The Right to Make a Treatment Choice.The Right to Informed Consent.The Right to Refuse Treatment.The Right to Make Decisions About End-of-Life Care.

Do hospitals take patient complaints seriously?

Hospitals must acknowledge patient complaints immediately, she says, and must respond in writing once they are resolved. As part of this process, no matter whom you talk to, there are some phrases that can spur quick action, Kirch explains.

How would you handle a patient who constantly complains about pain?

Follow these six steps for how to handle patient complaints that will leave patients feeling satisfied and heard.Listen to them. ... Acknowledge their feelings. ... Ask questions. ... Explain and take action. ... Conclude. ... Document complaints.

What is the most common complaint in clinical practice?

Common Patient ComplaintsScheduling difficulties. ... Disagreements with staff. ... Feeling unheard. ... Not getting enough time with the doctor. ... Waiting too long. ... Confusion with insurance and billing.

What best describes a verbal complaint of patient abuse or neglect?

A “patient grievance” is a formal or informal written or verbal complaint that is made to the facility by a patient or a patient's representative, regarding a patient's care (when such complaint is not resolved at the time of the complaint by the staff present), mistreatment, abuse (mental, physical, or sexual), ...

What happens when you make a complaint to NHS?

What happens next? Most NHS Trust complaints procedures require an acknowledgement within 14 days but many will acknowledge your letter within 3 days. If you do not get an acknowledgement within this time frame, you should write again or telephone to check that your complaint was received.

How do you make a complaint?

An effective complaint often has three steps: explaining the problem; stating your feelings; and asking for action. The first step is to explain the problem. To do it effectively, you must use polite, respectful language.

What is pals in the NHS?

The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) offers confidential advice, support and information on health-related matters. They provide a point of contact for patients, their families and their carers. You can find PALS officers in your local hospital.

What is an improper care complaint?

Improper care or unsafe conditions. You may have a complaint about improper care (like claims of abuse to a nursing home resident) or unsafe conditions (like water damage or fire safety concerns).

How to file an appeal with Medicare?

For questions about a specific service you got, look at your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or log into your secure Medicare account . You can file an appeal if you disagree with a coverage or payment decision made by one of these: 1 Medicare 2 Your Medicare health plan 3 Your Medicare drug plan

How to complain about poor care in a hospital?

How can I complain about poor medical care I received in a hospital? While you are in the hospital: If possible, first bring your complaints to your doctor and nurses. Be as specific as you can and ask how your complaint can be resolved. You can also ask to speak to a hospital social worker who can help solve problems and identify resources.

What do you do if you get an infection in the hospital?

If you get an infection while you are in the hospital or have problems getting the right medication, you can file a complaint with the Joint Commission . This group certifies many U.S. hospitals' safety and security practices and looks into complaints about patients' rights. It does not oversee medical care or how the hospital may bill you.

What do social workers do when patients leave the hospital?

Social workers also organize services and paperwork when patients leave the hospital. If you are covered by Medicare, you can file a complaint about your care with your State's Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) . These groups act on behalf of Medicare to address complaints about care provided to people covered by Medicare.

How long does it take to appeal a hospital discharge?

You should get a form from the hospital titled "An Important Message from Medicare," which explains how to appeal a hospital discharge decision. Appeals are free and generally resolved in 2 to 3 days. The hospital cannot discharge you until the appeal is completed.

Can a hospital discharge you until appeal is completed?

The hospital cannot discharge you until the appeal is completed. When you get your hospital bill: First, ask your doctor or the hospital's billing department to explain the charges. Find out how the hospital handles complaints about bills, and make your case. If you still have questions, you should contact the Medicare carrier ...

What to do if you have a serious reaction to a medical product?

If you think you or someone in your family has experienced a serious reaction to a medical product, you are encouraged to take the reporting form to your doctor. Your health care provider can provide clinical information based on your medical record that can help FDA evaluate your report.

How to report adverse events to the FDA?

Use one of the methods below to submit voluntary adverse event reports to the FDA: 1 Report Online 2 Consumer Reporting Form FDA 3500B. Follow the instructions on the form to either fax or mail it in for submission. For help filling out the form, see MedWatch Learn. 3 Call FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report by telephone 4 Reporting Form FDA 3500 commonly used by health professionals. View Instructions for Form FDA 3500

How to report FDA 3500B?

Consumer Reporting Form FDA 3500B. Follow the instructions on the form to either fax or mail it in for submission. For help filling out the form, see MedWatch Learn. Call FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report by telephone. Reporting Form FDA 3500 commonly used by health professionals. View Instructions for Form FDA 3500.

How to contact the FDA about a product?

If you need information or if you have questions or comments about a medical product, please call the FDA's toll-free information line, 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332) Press 2 to report into MedWatch or for instructions.

Why report a colleague who is incompetent?

Reporting a colleague who is incompetent or who engages in unethical behavior is intended not only to protect patients , but also to help ensure that colleagues receive appropriate assistance from a physician health program or other service to be able to practice safely and ethically.

Why is medicine a self-regulated profession?

Medicine has a long tradition of self-regulation, based on physicians’ enduring commitment to safeguard the welfare of patients and the trust of the public. The obligation to report incompetent or unethical conduct that may put patients at risk is recognized in both the ethical standards of the profession and in law and physicians should be able ...

What are some examples of quality of care complaints?

Some common examples of quality of care complaints include: Receiving the wrong medication in a hospital or skilled nursing facility (SNF) Receiving unnecessary surgery/diagnostic testing. Receiving an overdose of medication. Experiencing a delay in service. Receiving inadequate care or treatment by a Medicare hospital or doctor.

What is the role of the state health department?

State Health Departments. Each state has a Department of Public Health that works to ensure the health and safety of its residents. Clinicians are often legally required to report specific diseases, including some hospital infections, to their local (city) Department of Public Health which will accept the report, conduct an investigation, ...

Does Medicare have a complaint right?

Every Medicare beneficiary has the right to file a complaint, or to register a concern about their health care or health care provider. Patients and their advocates should realize that they have this right and know how to reach the entity that can take action on their complaints.

What is the NIH policy on unsafe conditions?

The policy of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Research Services (ORS), Division of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS), is to promote safe and healthful workplaces as required by 29 CFR 1960.28 and Executive Order 12196. If you believe that an unsafe or unhealthful working condition ...

What to do if you believe an unsafe work environment exists?

If you believe that an unsafe or unhealthful working condition exists in the workplace you have the right and are encouraged to make a report (oral or written) of the condition to us. If you believe that there is immediate danger to life or health make a report as quickly as possible by calling us at ...

Is a survey necessary for unsafe conditions?

Surveys for other unsafe or unhealthful workplace conditions are conducted as deemed appropriately by our staff. A survey may not be necessary if, through normal management action, the unsafe or unhealthful condition (s) can be corrected immediately. back to the top.

Can you report an unsafe workplace?

Anonymous Reporting. People who report an unsafe or unhealthful workplace condition or hazard will not be subject to restraint, interference, coercion, discrimination, or reprisal. You may submit the report anonymously.

How to complain about dental malpractice?

If you or a family member encountered a situation considered as dental negligence or malpractice, you should know the right process to complain about it. Direct complaint. The first step in resolving disputes with your dentist is to inform them directly of your complaints. Give them the chance to explain themselves.

Why don't dentists monitor their health?

One, money-related problem since dental rates are usually costly.

What are the most common dental malpractice complaints?

Here are some of the most common dental malpractice complaints that lawyers take in. Complaints post tooth extraction or root canal surgery. Anesthesia-related problems.

What to do if you are not satisfied with your dentist?

If you are not satisfied with his actions and reasons, then this may need further assistance to request appropriate legal action. Peer review. Once you inform your dentist that you are not satisfied with his treatment, and he does nothing to make it right, the next step is to take your concern to a higher authority.

Is dental negligence rare?

In truth, dental negligence is rare. Case studies from different law firms show that in every seven known medical-related complaints, only one is addressed as a dental issue. However, we cannot say that they don’t happen.

Can a dentist diagnose periodontal disease?

However, if a dentist did not perform the correct diagnostics such as x-rays and other probing procedures, misdiagnosis may happen.

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