So I’m not exactly paranoid, but I’m speculative about the cause of this situation. I missed 2 or more appointments in Jan. due to inclement weather or snowstorms. I called and canceled as well. I just went to my second or third same day appointment. Well I was supposed to be back in their system after three, but I still need two more apparently. The psychiatrist suggested for the 9th time to start monthly injections, when she’s the reason I couldn’t get the full dose of Abilify prescribed, she was on vacation and they wouldn’t fill it until yesterday. She put me on Buspar and a new therapist, then took me out of the system that same week. So I started a new medication that sucked for me and I had no one to talk to about it. I couldn’t schedule with the therapist either, who canceled on me. Then yesterday I finally got “offered” an appointment and the pdoc also requested me to sign off on some billing agreement to get me back in the system so I could make appointments. She also said I could change doctors. She also recommended me to sign off for a social worker and case manager. I asked her the reason as to why, and she told me it would help pay for housing. I’m currently renting outside of home and I’m perfectly fine. She’s the reason it’s been difficult. Why the flippity fuck would I need a social worker? I’m not having symptoms, I’m not disabled or on disability, I can work drive function etc. So is that malpractice? especially when she’s been so abrasive. Also, that’s not informed consent if she’s not telling me the whole story on what she wants me to sign. This is the same place that gave me my first diagnosis of schizophrenia.
I think a social worker could help you get to your appointments.
This doesn’t sound like malpractice to me, based on the legal definition below. But it does sound like there are some serious lapses in the care you receive from your doctor.
This doesn’t equate to monetary damages. However, you CAN file a complaint with the state Board of Medicine. Doing so will certainly create some major friction between you and the doctor. So, personally, I wouldn’t file a complaint unless you have the intention of finding a new doc.
A more appropriate response might be to have a serious conversation with your doc about how you feel her care is letting you down. And working together to find solutions.
Medical Malpractice:
"A person who alleges negligent medical malpractice must prove four elements: (1) a duty of care was owed by the physician; (2) the physician violated the applicable standard of care; (3) the person suffered a compensable injury; and (4) the injury was caused in fact and proximately caused by the substandard conduct. The burden of proving these elements is on the plaintiff in a malpractice lawsuit.
Physicians, as professionals, owe a duty of care to those who seek their treatment. This element is rarely an issue in malpractice litigation, because once a doctor agrees to treat a patient, he or she has a professional duty to provide competent care. More important is that the plaintiff must show some actual, compensable injury that is the result of the alleged negligent care. Proof of injury can include the physical effects of the treatment performed by the physician, but it can also include emotional effects. The amount of compensation at issue is usually a highly contested part of the litigation."
Blessings,
Anthony
It sounds like they are trying to help however they don’t seem to be explaining things to you enough.
Have you been given the chance to read what they are asking you to sign? It should explain what it is for and why.
I see no harm in getting a social worker and case manager.
Why would I need one? Help with what? Hasn’t the system hurt me enough already?