What Can We Do About Today's Non-healthcare?

It turns out we can do plenty. To start with, we can file complaints with our state professional licensing boards, like nursing associations and the healing arts board. We can file complaints with the Joint Commission, and these organizations are all online.

They are easy to find. But, before we do that, we need to ask ourselves what that will solve? Will it change the behavior of the provider or cause retaliation? Yes, folks, some professionals are actually spiteful.

We need to look at the situation and ask ourselves what outcome we are looking for. Do we honestly want change? Are we just looking for compensation? Or are we seeking revenge? There are differences between the three.

Wanting change happens by contacting the risk manager of an organization and explaining the facts, not emotions, but the facts., When doing this, you may mention you feel it is a discontinuity of care through neglect. Why? That is a totally different lawsuit. Most attorneys will look at this twice.

Also, most risk managers will be very attentive to this complaint and work hard to rectify the problem. which can be a good outcome, in many cases, you get an egotistical provider who gets their nose out of joint and really gets stupid. They will refuse to see you again or some such nonsense. That is when you should thank them and leave because you will then file a complaint with the correct organization as well as the Department of Health and Senior Services. Then follow up with contacting a good attorney. You won't get an enormous legal settlement, but you should get some, and you will have the satisfaction of triggering them to put their own license in jeopardy. That is how you handle egotistical providers.

Getting revenge only makes you as bad as them! And it does nothing for your health. Lawsuits make lawyers richer, not you. Digging for a license gives you nothing, but you really win when you help them to become better providers.

Now, if your provider honestly meant no harm, they will follow the advice of their risk manager and try to do a better job. This is important. You, as a patient, need to recognise their effort. They are only human, just like you. Work with them and develop a relationship built on honesty and teamwork. In doing so, you will get better care, and they will be better providers. You both have something to gain.

Why? Because you have a responsibility as well. You are responsible for looking out for your own well-being. Always take the high road. Never slump to the lower behaviors, and if and when you ever need to go to court, you will be so glad you did. You cannot sue for damages against someone else if you were doing damage as well/ Plus, slinging mud will only catch you in the crosswinds and make you as dirty, if not dirtier than your opponent. That, my friends, is a form of true Self-Preservation. You will feel better about yourself and will have honestly done your part to make healthcare a little better.