In the pursuit of safe and effective health care, many people in Florida have a lot of decisions to make when it comes to seeking out their best treatment options. However, because a lot of what we learn comes directly from doctors, many people ultimately put their trust in their physicians. Unfortunately, there are certain types of doctors who are more likely to commit catastrophic medical malpractice.
There are a few specific indicators to be on the lookout for when a patient is seeking care. Doctors with certain attributes may be more likely to misdiagnose a patient, prescribe inappropriate medications or make serious errors in surgeries.
A doctor who prescribes medication a little too quickly may be a red flag. A doctor should thoroughly investigate a patient’s medical history before prescribing a medication. If this doesn’t happen, a medication may be prescribed that does more harm than good.
A drowsy or sleep-deprived doctor may also be a danger to patients. Without being properly rested, a doctor can make grievous mistakes during surgery or when filling out paperwork. This can lead to surgical errors or a misdiagnosis.
If a physician is biased or inappropriately flirtatious during an exam or procedure, patients may want to speak with another doctor. Medical staff should be professional and ethical when it comes to treating a person. A doctor who is prejudiced or motivated by lust can have clouded judgment.
There are doctors who are dishonest, as well. Often, dishonesty or violating privacy standards are only discovered after a mistake has been though. If you know that a doctor has breached a privacy agreement or suspect that he or she is being dishonest, it could be beneficial to seek a second opinion and notify an official of the issue.
Finally, a doctor who is out of date or misinformed may present a danger to patients. If a physician has not embraced new medical technologies or treatment options, he or she may not be the best fit for you. A doctor who is not keeping up with the times may be unaware of newer, safer or more effective treatments.
Any medical professional is capable of making mistakes. However, if there are indicators that a doctor may be less cautious or more distracted, he or she may have an increased chance of further injuring or harming a patient.
Source: msnbc, “Doctors behaving badly: 7 types to watch out for,” Kristen Dold, June 3, 2012
