Treatment from medical staff?

[wileygirltoo]

Howdy. My father just called me and was very upset about the way a secretary/workers comp handler treats him from his doctors office. He is not computer savy, so I decided to ask the question for him: Does anyone know if the medical staff have an obligation to treat an injured worker with respect and common courtesy? This woman is extremely rude and will not send out paperwork and make appts. for my dad in a timely manner. Oftentimes he has to call workers comp himself only to find that she never submitted the requested paperwork. It sounds like she is deliberately prolonging the care that he needs in his case. Is there a # that he can call to file a complaint re: her behavior, or should he just speak to the treating physician from that office? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you all very much!

[jayne]

get her bosses number...next time he should ask to speak to her supervisor explain her behavior and that he would like a new worker that will help you not hinder you to get wel....your state would help but most states have an ombudsman that helps and a lawyer is almost a mustl in either case we need more information to help his injuries,your state and does he have a lawyer?

[tourdaddy]

get an attorney, that way everything will have to go through the attorney and your father will probably have a much smoother transaction

[Confusedd]

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Hi, Sorry to say this is how the Workers Comp System Works.
I have been in it for 4yrs. now and EVERYONE TREATS YOU LIKE CRIMINALS. Your father is in for a LONG LONG RIDE.

[wileygirltoo]

Howdy again...thank you for the info. We live in California and my father has an appt. with a lawyer next week...I suppose he must be on the right track...As I read about many others stories,I see that he really needs a lawyer. He has physical injuries as well as some emotional trauma. He was a state employee at the time he was injured (at a state hospital/correctional facility). From what he says, he had no trouble finding a lawyer to represent him, so I guess it must be a valid case. However, I will tell him to be patient since it looks like this is going to be long drawn out process. Thank you all for your wisdom and good luck with your cases, as well!

jayne Wrote:get her bosses number...next time he should ask to speak to her supervisor explain her behavior and that he would like a new worker that will help you not hinder you to get wel....your state would help but most states have an ombudsman that helps and a lawyer is almost a mustl in either case we need more information to help his injuries,your state and does he have a lawyer?

[wileygirltoo]

Thank you for the advice. I called my dad and he said he has an appt with an attny next week. I will keep my fingers crossed for him! (Or maybe make him a garlic wreath to wear to his appt?) No offense to any attornies out there reading this! Seriously, though, I will let my dad know that it sounds like he is on the right track. Thanks again!

tourdaddy Wrote:get an attorney, that way everything will have to go through the attorney and your father will probably have a much smoother transaction

[chrischris]

Your dad needs to remember to hold his head up high and keep telling himself that he did nothing wrong. On the workers comp road he will encounter many, many people who think we are all skum. It's all part of the fun we encounter. Tell your dad to always be respectful and kind, no matter how he is treated. At least he can look himself in the mirror in the morning and feel good about himself. That secretary is just an employee, just like he was/is just an employee.

A polite call to her supervisor would be appropriate.

Or, maybe she is the doctor's wife. I had that happen to me in a dentist office. Really mean receptionist (wife) LOL!

[wileygirltoo]

Thanks for the advice. I tell him that (to keep his head up, that he is the victim and did nothing wrong) all the time. My dad is very quiet, always respectful and kind...I think that's why he calls me when he should be a little aggressive...I have no problem telling someone my opinion, with tact, of course! I never thought about the possibility of them being related. Could be...I will pass on the information. Thank you for the advice!

chrischris Wrote:Your dad needs to remember to hold his head up high and keep telling himself that he did nothing wrong. On the workers comp road he will encounter many, many people who think we are all skum. It's all part of the fun we encounter. Tell your dad to always be respectful and kind, no matter how he is treated. At least he can look himself in the mirror in the morning and feel good about himself. That secretary is just an employee, just like he was/is just an employee.

A polite call to her supervisor would be appropriate.

Or, maybe she is the doctor's wife. I had that happen to me in a dentist office. Really mean receptionist (wife) LOL!

[nurse83]

Hi there,

YES YES YES any patient should be treated with common courtesy and respect and I despise people in my chosen profession (I'm a RN) who are not courteous and respectful but who can't go a little further and actually be pleasant and friendly.

We see people at times when they are not themselves, facing unfamiliar and stressful situations BUT we know that and we choose to work with patients SO...act like you care even if you don't is my motto for my staff!

I agree that this particular employee's supervisor needs to be notified of the situation. Her actions in not following up on getting your dad set up for his required medical care that has been ordered by his physician goes far beyond general disrespect and could actually hinder his progress.

Also, if at all possible perhaps you could also be present the next time your dad has to deal with this woman and/or when he speaks to her supervisor. I don't know your dad's age but I have dealt with/know many older people who find it difficult to speak up for themselves.

I, like you, do not have a problem stating "this isn't working for me" and then being specific about why it isn't.

Good luck!

[wileygirltoo]

Howdy! I'm going to call my dad and ask when his next appt. is and accompany him. That is a great idea!!! Thank you for all of your wisdom!