If your doctor behaved in a way that felt
inappropriate or unprofessional, speak up
Robyn Lehr
Consider talking with another doctor in the same practice and asking for her opinion. Some hospitals and private practices have a process for handling and addressing patient grievances.
If that doesn’t help, contact your state’s medical society or licensing board for instructions on how to file a complaint. (To find the one in your area,
go to the American Medical Association’s website, at www.ama-assn.org, and look under “Medical ethics” in the Professional Resources section.)
Some states,
such as California
and Texas, offer a consumer-complaint hotline to advise
you on your situation. Once you file a formal complaint (you may have the option of
filing electronically
or by mail), the medical board reviews it.
If the board finds a violation, it could
take action against the doctor, ranging from
a fine to revocation of the doctor’s license.
