THE GOODS : CHECKLIST : Examining Your Doctor
In Harvey Rosenfield’s view, medical malpractice is a silent epidemic that has not received the public attention paid to other dangers. And although “Today’s” Matt Lauer suggested during Rosenfield’s appearance that recent malpractice horror headlines shouldn’t scare people because they represent just a small percentage of doctor-patient interactions, Rosenfield disagrees.
“Many people watching today think these horror stories could never happen to them,” he told Lauer and the NBC audience. “In fact, physician researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health estimate that 150,000 Americans are killed every year in hospitals alone due to medical violence.”
His book “Silent Violence, Silent Death” covers the medical, legal and public policy aspects of malpractice. The final chapter advises on how to be a good health-care consumer. Some suggestions:
* Shop for a good doctor, starting with personal recommendations. Learn the doctor’s credentials, visit the office and talk to the patients. Interview the doctor. Check the state medical board for any record of disciplinary action.
* Treat the search for a hospital with the same care. If your doctor has selected a facility that makes you uncomfortable, discuss it. If you’re still not satisfied, insist that you jointly figure out an alternative.
* Take an active role in any diagnosis and treatment. Make sure you understand what the doctor is telling you, even if you have to ask five times. Take notes. Understand what you have to do and why, and what it will cost.
* Never stay in a hospital by yourself. Hospitals are complex places and, no matter how minor your condition, you need an advocate to monitor what is happening and to make sure you get the treatment you need. Take notes on your treatment.
* Check your hospital bill carefully. Ask your physician for help--many will review bills and go to bat for you. Bring billing errors to the hospital’s attention. Pay the undisputed amount of the bill while trying to resolve the errors, and note that many hospitals will let you establish a payment plan for large balances.
