Here is my story and bear with me. it is somewhat long. I have had ankle problems for almost 17 years now. Two failed surgeries, 8 cortisone shots, 5 rounds of physical therapy, 6 months of minimal weight bearing, 4 pair of orthodics, many NSAID prescriptions later and I am still having a lot of trouble. Things were going well until 4 months after my second surgery. My ankle pain returned with a vengeance. This was in early May, 2011. My second surgery was done in January. I have been referred to a pain clinic, but cannot get an appointment for another month. My general doctor is also on maternity leave for another 6 months. I have had multiple pain medication prescriptions filled, but they were only filled by one doctor. I also only take these medications if I must, like at night when I am in immense pain. Today, I scheduled an appointment with a physicians assistant. She was the only one available for a few days. She did not even look at my chart and accused me of being a drug addict when I am by no means an addict. She was very rude and was making me out to be the problem when all I came in for was legitimate moderate to severe left ankle pain. She dismissed me off as a "pill seeker." I thought to be an addict you need to have physical and mental addiction to these medications. I do not at all. I am a legitimate, hard working mother who unfortunately has to wait until July to see a pain specialist, and then this fall, I need to have an OATS procedure done. Between now and that point, I am unsure. All I want to know is, what can be done besides calling the administrative office at the clinic? Would I have a legal case due to her malpractice? She dismissed my pain and did not examine me, or look at my chart. Thank you all very much and God bless.
Dave
Rudeness does not constitute "malpractice." You can make her superiors aware of your dissatisfaction - and I'd find a different provider.
Pat
A PA is licensed by the state and supervised by a doctor.
No, not the one on maternity leave.
There must be a working doctor on site.
Write a letter to the doctor and send a copy to your state's Department of State, Professional Licensing Bureau.
CB
DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT ALL THE STUFF ABOUT YOUR ANKLE AND PAIN BUT THE ONLY THING I CAN THINK OF IS GET A SECOND OPINION AND OR TRY ICE PACKS OR HEAT MAYBE ACUPUNCTURE OR OTHER ALTERNATIVE MEDICAL PROCEDURES OUT THE NORMAL REALM OF MEDICINE
Prairie Girl
All PA's must work under the supervision of a doctor. Since your doctor is not in the office at this time there must be another doctor that the PA is working under. Call and find out who that is and complain to him/her. In the PA's opinion you may be taking too much pain medication, but that's no excuse for her not looking at your chart since she isn't familiar with your medical history. When your regular doctor returns be sure to inform her of the PA's attitude.
mistify
Unless she violated the standard of care, you have no basis for malpractice. Rather, this is a personnel issue and is best dealt with through the administration of the office. Unfortunately, there is no legal recourse for rudeness.
I can certainly understand her skepticism in administering pain medication to a patient she doesn't really know. I cannot comment further on your medication usage without knowing the doses and frequency with which you are taking the medication. Defining addition isn't simply physical and mental dependence. Rather it can be a combination of a variety of not just physical symptoms, but behavioral ones as well. The DSM-IV and the ICD-10 defines addiciton as answering at least 3 of the following questions in the affirmative:
1. Tolerance: needing to take more of the medication to get the desired effect
2. Withdrawal: physical or emotional symptoms when trying to reduce or stop the substance
3. Difficulty controlling doses: taking more than prescribed, etc.
4. Negative consequences: continuing to take the medication despite negative experiences: mood, work related or family issues, etc.
5. neglecting activities: avoiding responsibilities or even social events because of the use of the medication
6. desire to cut down.
However, I would follow up with a physician at the office and report the PA to the clinic administrator. Health grade and zagatt reporting is also often available, often through your insurance company.
Orignal From: What are my options regarding a doctor being very rude?
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