posted
Jeff recently asked: 'What do doctors really know?'
To which I replied: 'They know an awful lot, but whether they choose to utilize that knowledge is another thing...'
Of course, I don't intend to say ALL doctors . . .but like many high paying trades, you just have some doctors who seem to take a lot for granted, or seem to think they are indespensible or unaccountable...
Also, part of the blame lies with people who think the almighty dollar will replace, or make-up for the mal-practice they have suffered, as well as magically heal them from all bitterness and resentment they assumed through their suffering . . . But mostly, just plain ol' greed has caused a deep suspiscions between Doctor and patients which only tons of legalese can rectify.
But the one thing many people don't mention thats available is your STATE MEDICAL BOARD.
YOU HAVE a place to go to with complaints about any aspect of medical treatment you or family members recieve.
I took my father's case to 3 lawyers before the last one finally told me that this option is available to me.
And it's better than suing. Suing a negligent doctor can still leave him to practice where he'll only pay more attention to loop-holes and be looking over his shoulder, or he may move on to another place and continue to practice. Suing could also wind up costing you money, and will definitley take a ton of time.
But taking a doctor to the state board is a free service, and takes hardly any time. It puts a permanent mark on the doctors record, takes into account any previous complaints, and depending on the severity of a complaint, or number of complaints recieved, a doctor can have his license removed and not be able to practice again.
While going to the SMB won't necessarily cost all doctors their jobs or license, it WILL be a reprimand, and a mark on their performance record, and/or accumulation of complaints can signal a need for further action.
If you know the medical records will support your claims, report slack doctors to your state medical board. They are like the BBB of the medical association.
The hospital medical records will be supeonaed. The board representative will also visit the dr's office and the patients medical records will be immediately taken from the office and while there, the doctor will be confronted 'by surprise' without prior knowledge of a confrontation. At this point the Dr. will be presented with the complaint(s) and will be allowed 10 days to respond to the complaint.
At that point, a decision will be made by the board about the doctor based on everything known about his practice as well as the complaint in hand.
I know there's corruption in any system. I'm sure all state medical boards are not entirely perfect... but I really think if more people would try this, rather than try to sue for monetary compensation, the world might be a slightly better, slightly more just place.
-------------------- Signs Sweet Home Alabama
oneshot on chat
"Look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, work like a dog" Posts: 5758 | From: "Sweet Home" Alabama | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
Problem is, people go to attorneys for legal advice. Whattya think they prefer? Maybe I'm a cynic but I think most people prefer money to justice.
-------------------- Jim Upchurch Artworks Olympia WA Posts: 797 | From: Olympia, WA | Registered: Nov 1998
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