I posted this information in a thread on the Lactivism forum and Sarah suggested I come here to post it as well in the hopes that it can help someone.
Important note: Obviously, because this could have serious career implications for the med professional, this should not be used for personality conflicts or simple differences of opinion, but to address poor/incorrect advice given that is contradicted by current research on a health issue.
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Frustrated with a medical professional?
When a medical professional gives inaccurate medical advice they can be held accountable. True, you aren't likely to win any malpractice lawsuits, but you can do a number of other things. The most common is to switch doctors. It is very important that you let the doctor know why you and the income they get from you are leaving their practice. If the person who gave you bad advice was not the practice owner make sure to let the person who is paying the bills know what happened.
But here's the catch - often the attitude may be "good riddance" to you the trouble maker, especially if it was the practice owner who gave bad advice.
Here's what you can do to strike fear into any medical professional. CONTACT YOUR STATE'S REGULATORY BOARD!!! Any time you feel you have a valid complaint against a medical professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, etc...) you have a right to report them to the board. All complaints will be reviewed. Even when a doctor knows they are 100% in the right it is a frightening experience, because there is always the chance the board will find a reason to revoke that practioner's license. And if you are contacting them about a situation where their recommendation or action was not supported by current standards (such as recommending weaning of a baby under 12 months without a valid medical reason) they are much more likely to receive at the least a warning if not fine or requirement to take appropriate continuing education classes.
How to file a report: Before you leave the office, write down their license number and the exact spelling of their name on their license. The license is required to be on display! If it isn't and the staff won't show it to you - make a note of that as well. If you won't be going back to their office - call and request it. Chances are they won't give it out. You can also get the information off the internet, http://www.vipnet.org/dhp/cgi-bin/search_publicdb.cgi
Important note: Obviously, because this could have serious career implications for the med professional, this should not be used for personality conflicts or simple differences of opinion, but to address poor/incorrect advice given that is contradicted by current research on a health issue.
-----------------------------------------------------
Frustrated with a medical professional?
When a medical professional gives inaccurate medical advice they can be held accountable. True, you aren't likely to win any malpractice lawsuits, but you can do a number of other things. The most common is to switch doctors. It is very important that you let the doctor know why you and the income they get from you are leaving their practice. If the person who gave you bad advice was not the practice owner make sure to let the person who is paying the bills know what happened.
But here's the catch - often the attitude may be "good riddance" to you the trouble maker, especially if it was the practice owner who gave bad advice.
Here's what you can do to strike fear into any medical professional. CONTACT YOUR STATE'S REGULATORY BOARD!!! Any time you feel you have a valid complaint against a medical professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, etc...) you have a right to report them to the board. All complaints will be reviewed. Even when a doctor knows they are 100% in the right it is a frightening experience, because there is always the chance the board will find a reason to revoke that practioner's license. And if you are contacting them about a situation where their recommendation or action was not supported by current standards (such as recommending weaning of a baby under 12 months without a valid medical reason) they are much more likely to receive at the least a warning if not fine or requirement to take appropriate continuing education classes.
How to file a report: Before you leave the office, write down their license number and the exact spelling of their name on their license. The license is required to be on display! If it isn't and the staff won't show it to you - make a note of that as well. If you won't be going back to their office - call and request it. Chances are they won't give it out. You can also get the information off the internet, http://www.vipnet.org/dhp/cgi-bin/search_publicdb.cgi
