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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Posts
    1

    Default Patient Deemed to Have Refused Treatment Despite Wanting Care

    My question involves medical malpractice in the state of: Illinois

    I went to a ER late night because my left eye was in extreme amount of pain. My right eye shut along with it due to physiological responses. Also, I had to look down because it hurt to keep my head up as it made more pressure occur around my eyes. I had a family member take me to the ER.

    Upon entering the facility I waited roughly forty-five minutes for the doctor. I described to him my position. He told me that the local eye care place opens in six hours and that there is not much they can do. From there he left and came back about fifteen minutes later. He asked me to hold open my right eye so he could see the condition. I tried to pry my eyelids open, but the pain was so great I curled into a ball. He left the room for roughly fifteen minutes again and came back. This time he walked me to the bathroom. Both eyes were still shut and he was verbally guiding me through the hospital. He wanted me to put numbing drops in my eyes. Once again, I tried to open my right eye but could not manage to do so. Instead I curled into a ball and asked for help back to the room. From there I asked for pain medicine to help so I might be able to open my eye. He offered me a pain shot. I asked if they had any pills like aleve. He offered me a shot twice, but I did not want to be nauseous from a shot so I asked for something not as strong. It did not sound like a good idea to not be able to see and get sick at the same time. He left for about fifteen minutes again.

    Another doctor came in the room. He told me if I refused to open my eyes then I am denying their service against their request. The new doctor asked if I was denying their service. I told him that if that was the only way to look at my eyes, which are causing me extreme pain, is force them open without pain medication, then nothing would be able accomplished. He then asked me the same question again. I said if they are failing to administer pain medication to me for the area of my body which is causing me the most pain, and then asking me to touch that area, and then asking me to force it open, then any further action would be halted. He then said I am denying their service. I asked him if I have to pay for this service and he told me I will.

    The next morning I went to the eye doctor and my cornea was starting to come off my left eye.

    Three days later, I called the patient advocacy department of the hospital and explained the situation. I asked her if waiting in the ER means sitting for hours, being only asked what is wrong, being offered and denied pain medication, and then being told because I cannot physically function the way they want me to, then that means I am denying service and can be charged. She said yes. She said that service from a doctor can be simply just asking me how I feel and nothing else can be done, even in a situation like this.

    Is there anything I can do? Do I need more information to provide on this post?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    38,867

    Default Re: Does Insufficient Service Based on My Ailment Give Me Standing

    so, how did the eye doctor look at your eye if it was not possible to open your eye?

    You refused to administer the drops to alleviate the pain. You refused the shot they offered. You wanted to dictate the medication administered. Sorry but this is on you. You did refuse their treatment. Since you caused them to spend time and effort treating you, expect to be charged for your visit.


    The only time I have heard of a corneal detachment was when some junkie tried to tear his off thinking his contacts were stuck in his eye so he kept working until he tore the cornea. How did yours become detached?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Location
    OH10
    Posts
    17,019

    Default Re: Does Insufficient Service Based on My Ailment Give Me Standing

    They offered you serious pain medication so they could perform an exam. You refused treatment at that point, wanting a basic NSAID that would not allow them to perform an exam. If that was the treatment you wanted, you should have stayed home and taken an aspirin. You now owe for the medical treatment they attempted to provide and you refused. Had you not refused, you would have had a specialist called immediately, most likely.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    28,906

    Default Re: Patient Deemed to Have Refused Treatment Despite Wanting Care

    You posted this as a question about malpractice, but your question seems to be about whether you will have to pay your bill. Please clarify.

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