How to File a Complaint Against a Doctor

Formal complaints can be filed against doctors who are negligent or treat their patients poorly. If you file a complaint against a doctor, your options depend on the nature of the complaint and what you are seeking as relief. As a first step, express your concern to the physician directly. If the issue cannot be resolved after direct communication, you may contact the office, medical clinic or hospital where you were treated and ask about the formal complaint process. Other options include filing a complaint directly to the state medical board, Better Business Bureau or online websites.

Complete the Complaint Form

• Fill out a complaint form with information about the incident, your health provider, names and contact information of all parties involved in the complaint. This form can be downloaded from your state's medical board website. If necessary, you may include additional sheets to detail your circumstances. It's important to explain why you believe the treatment you received was below standard, was a violation of the Medical Practice Act, or if the doctor or his staff acted unprofessionally. You may also need to release medical records to the Board of Physicians to help with the investigation.

State Medical Board

• Documenting your experience through your state medical board might help prevent others from becoming victims of your doctor's negligence. All complaints registered become public record. Go to your state medical board website for state rules and guidelines. Request a copy of your doctor's chart notes, which contain information about the doctor's conclusions regarding your current condition. Include all facts about the office visit.

Online Websites

• More than 40 websites offer consumers the chance to rate their physicians. Using these sites provides patients a proactive role in their health care. However, some doctors make their patients sign an agreement that prohibits them from posting negative comments about them on public sites. RateMD and Angie's List are two popular websites used by patients.

Better Business Bureau

• Visit your Better Business Bureau (BBB) website to find out if anyone has filed complaints against your doctor. It's not necessary for the doctor to be BBB accredited to have a report.