The patient may not be able to afford the cost of the procedure. Religious, language, or cultural issues may be behind the refusal. Rather than just writing off the patient as noncompliant or as a problem patient, the physician should attempt to find out the reason (s) for the refusal.
Full Answer
Does a doctor have the right to refuse a patient treatment?
The best way for a patient to indicate the right to refuse treatment is to have an advance directive, also known as a living will. Most patients who have had any treatments at a hospital have an advance directive or living will.
What to do when someone refuses treatment?
Signs can include:
- Disorganized thoughts
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Suicidal ideation
- Withdrawal and isolation
- Difficulty with communicating
- Bizarre actions
When May a physician refuse to treat a patient?
There are a few reasons why a doctor can refuse to treat a patient. The most obvious of these is if the doctor does not treat patients with the patient’s specific condition. For example, an individual suffering from a throat infection cannot realistically expect a gynecologist to diagnose and treat his or her condition.
When can you refuse to treat a patient?
You have the right to refuse any medical treatment if you are mentally competent and mature enough to understand the nature of the treatment. You can also refuse any medical treatment by indicating so in a directive.
How would you advise a patient who was unable to afford treatment?
10 Ways to Help Patients When They Can't Afford CareHave the Money Conversation. ... Be Empathetic to Patient Concerns. ... Get Creative on Your Scheduling. ... Offer a Payment Plan. ... Create a Sliding Fee Scale. ... Accept What They Can Offer. ... See Them Pro Bono. ... Refer Them or Help Them Find Assistance.More items...•
How would you handle it if a patient refuses care?
Taking the following steps can protect your patients' rights and your practice.Patient Education, Understanding, and Informed Consent. ... Explore Reasons Behind Refusal. ... Involve Family Members and Caregivers. ... Document Your Actions. ... Keep the Door Open.
Is it ethical for a doctor to deny treatment to a patient who Cannot afford an operation?
Can a Doctor Refuse to Treat Me If I Cannot Afford to Pay? Yes. The most common reason for refusing to treat a patient is the patient's potential inability to pay for the required medical services. Still, doctors cannot refuse to treat patients if that refusal will cause harm.
What to do if a patient refuses to pay?
When a patient fails to pay a balance within a reasonable amount of time – say, three months – begin following up the mailing of a statement with a call from your office. On such calls, be firm but generous: request payment and offer to set the patient up on a payment plan.
What should a nurse do when a patient refuses treatment?
If your patient refuses treatment or medication, your first responsibility is to make sure that he's been informed about the possible consequences of his decision in terms he can understand. If he doesn't speak or understand English well, arrange for a translator.
Do patients have the ethical right to refuse treatment?
Competent patients have a right to refuse treatment. This concept is supported not only by the ethical principle of autonomy but also by U.S. statutes, regulations and case law. Competent adults can refuse care even if the care would likely save or prolong the patient's life.
Can a doctor deny medical care to a patient who doesn't have enough money?
Without a job or even a home they have no ability to pay, but the doctor is required by law to see them. While a doctor has every right to deny treatment for various reasons, they can't refuse to treat a person with life-threatening or serious injuries even if they don't have health insurance or the ability to pay.
For what reasons might a provider not want to accept a patient?
The most common reason for refusing to accept a patient is the patient's potential inability to pay for the necessary medical services.
Why is refusal of treatment an ethical dilemma?
In general, ethical tension exists when a physician's obligation to promote a patient's best interests competes with the physician's obligation to respect the patient's autonomy. “When you don't take your medication, you're more likely to get sick.”
How do you ask a patient for payment?
6 Effective Ways to Ask Your Patients for PaymentUse a simple approach: People prefer simple, easy-to-understand options. ... Frame your message: Ask questions that will encourage the response you want (i.e., prompt payment). ... Connect with your patients: People want to feel connected to others.More items...
How do I send a patient to collections?
What do you do? Simply set them up on a payment plan. Contact your collections agency and tell them the patient wants to return to your practice for more treatment, and you have agreed upon a specific payment amount that they will pay weekly, bimonthly, or monthly.
How do you collect outstanding balances from patients?
5 Tips for Collecting Outstanding Patient BalancesCollect Copays Immediately. It's more cost effective for the practice to collect a patient's balance when the patient is in the office rather than sending costly statements. ... Reminder Calls. ... Payment Options. ... Offer Payment Plans. ... Courtesy Calls.
Is fast facts medical advice?
This information is not medical advice. Fast Facts are not continually updated, and new safety information may emerge after a Fast Fact is published. Health care providers should always exercise their own independent clinical judgment and consult other relevant and up-to-date experts and resources.
Do you need to consult the prescribing information before using a product?
Some Fast Facts cite the use of a product in a dosage, for an indication, or in a manner other than that recommended in the product labeling. Accordingly, the official prescribing information should be consulted before any such product is used.
Why is it inappropriate to bring up money during a patient visit?
The problem is that physicians aren't trained to discuss financial matters with patients and often feel it's inappropriate to bring up money during a patient visit. However, the fact is that full disclosure of costs encourages patients to plan ahead and pay more promptly.
What to do if you can't agree on a fee?
If you and your patient can't agree on a fee—or you have already maxed the number of low-cost clients you can afford—send them to a local community hospital or clinic. Many offer low-cost or no-cost care to patients with proven financial needs.
How to start a money conversation with a patient?
A good way to start the money conversation is by asking a few questions on the patient intake form. Ask patients to let you know about any concerns with costs or if they are experiencing difficulty paying past medical bills. Then, follow up in the exam room.
Can you pay for a patient who is unable to pay?
Barter. Some patients who are unable to pay cash for their care may be able to pay in services or goods. For example, you could exchange consult or diagnostic testing fees for having your waiting room repainted or your website re-designed.
Is there an increasing number of patients who are uninsured?
The stark reality is that an increasing number of patients are either uninsured or underinsured. Patients who choose to take the risk and go without insurance are often faced with the decision to either skip necessary care or go into debt to pay for it, while those covered by insurance are often not much better off.
Can you care for patients at no charge?
Just remember, you can’t care for your patients if your practice is in financial jeopardy, so only take on the number of pro bono patients that you can comfortably afford.
Can insurance help with co-pays?
Although helping with fees can be trickier for patients that are covered by insurance since most insurance companies don't allow waiving co-payments or deductibles, there are things you can do to help patients, with and without insurance, who can’t afford to pay for their care. 1.
Abstract
This ongoing column is dedicated to providing information to our readers on managing legal risks associated with medical practice. We invite questions from our readers. The answers are provided by PRMS, Inc.
Footnotes
To submit a question, e-mail Elizabeth Klumpp, Executive Editor, moc.mocdemxirtam@ppmulke. Include “Risk Management Column” in the subject line of your e-mail. All chosen questions will be published anonymously. All questions are reviewed by the editors and are selected based upon interest, timeliness, and pertinence, as determined by the editors.
Article 5-Freedom from Torture
While it may seem odd that I would choose an article that relates to torture, it is actually quite relevant to the medical field. While advancements have been great in our ability to control symptoms and cure disease, many treatments remain unpleasant at best.
About Tammy McKinney, RN
Tammy McKinney is a Registered Nurse from Pennsylvania. After earning her Business Administration degree, she went on to earn her degree in nursing from Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences. With a background in Infectious Disease Nursing, Agency Nursing, and Hospice Care she enjoys sharing her experiences through her writing.