Can Isue my doctor for medical malpractice for dropping me as a patient and not refering me to someone who can help?
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Can Isue my doctor for medical malpractice for dropping me as a patient and not refering me to someone who can help?
I am 7 1/2 months pregnant and was put on methadone about 2 1/2 months ago at the hospital. Then my old doctor started prescribing me my methadone. I had to go back to the hospital last week and they gave me meds while there. Now my doctor is dropping me as a patient because I got meds from the hospspital. At this point, I have no one to prescribe my meds because I get afford the hospital clinic anymore. If I don’t have them I was told that there is 50% chance my baby will die. And now my OBGYN says that if I don’t get my meth they will drop me as a patient and I will have no one to care for me.
Asked on May 23, 2011 under Malpractice Law, Virginia
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
It is probably not malpractice for a doctor to drop a patient because she is seeing someone else--or a hospital clinic--to get the medical attention or prescription she needs. That is most likely not professional negligence, or medical care below the acceptable standard(s)--it's reasonable to not retain a patient who has gone elsewhere.
The important thing is not suing, but getting you the medical care you need. Have you tried contacting the medicaid office for your area? Have you spoken with the hospital social worker about any resources that may be available to you? There are resources for people who can't afford medical care. Focus on getting access to medical care, and good luck.
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