Was it a single incident involving one individual that led to you receiving inadequate care? Was it a larger systemic problem such as unsafe conditions in a hospital? What needs to occur to correct the problem so that it doesn’t happen to other people?
First try filing a complaint through the hospital itself. Many will have a specific department that handles grievances and will follow up on your complaint. Search online to see if there is a national or state medical review board that has authority over your health care provider. Many have formal complaint processes which can be conducted online. [2] X Research source [3] X Research source [4] X Research source If you have a government run healthcare plan such as Medicare in the US or a National Health Services plan in the UK, you may be able to complain to them. The websites will guide you through the process for making a complaint. [5] X Research source [6] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source If you do not have a computer, search the phonebook for the numbers of your state’s Department of Public Health. Many have departments that deal with licensing and regulations. If they do not accept complaints, they will be able to direct you where to go next. [7] X Research source
Formally reprimanding the healthcare provider Suspending a license Placing conditions on a license Revoking a license
If you are complaining about rudeness or an unprofessional manner, that may not be within the scope of a state or national review board. Such complaints might be more effectively addressed to the hospital or health care provider directly. If you are seeking monetary compensation for damages, you will likely need to file a lawsuit in addition to a medical complaint. This would need to go before a court. Make sure you research your lawyer and choose reputable representation.
Many hospitals have patient advocates on staff. If you talk to a patient advocate who is employed by the hospital about which you would like to complain, ask them whether their assistance will be confidential. [10] X Research source [11] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Search in the phonebook or online for patient advocate organizations, such as The Empowered Patient Coalition in the US or Healthwatch in England. These organizations should be able to help you find resources that are near you or relevant to your situation. [12] X Research source [13] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source [14] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Denial of benefits and requests for assistance with the appeals process Fraudulent billing or unreasonably high charges Unnecessary medical procedures
Search the websites to determine whether there is a form that you can fill out and submit entirely online. If so, this will be the quickest and easiest way to do it. [17] X Research source There may also be a downloadable form that you can print and mail. [18] X Research source If you do not have access to a computer, you can either call the organization and ask them to mail you any forms you need, or you can use a computer at a public library. [19] X Research source
Names of the individuals and organizations involved. A clear concise description of the events that occurred. State the facts only, without inserting any opinions. A timeline that is as accurate as possible. Provide dates and times.
Keep a record of when you sent everything. Many online systems provide you with a confirmation number. Save the notification with the confirmation and date. If you send materials by mail, consider sending it with a tracking number so you can confirm that it was received. Keep records, including names, dates, and times, of all people you communicate with throughout the investigation.
Will you receive regular updates on the status of the investigation? If so, how often? Will you be notified of the outcome of the investigation? If so, how? Will the organization contact you by mail or email? Can you check online to see the status of your complaint?
