How to Lodge a Complaint Regarding Your Doctor

Doctors traditionally take the Hippocratic oath, promising to practice medicine ethically. It take years of study to become a doctor and take the oath. However, that doesn't guarantee a doctor won't act unethically. If a doctor does treat you poorly, you can lodge a formal complaint against him. You can file your complaint with the board, department or service that provides health care oversight in your state.

Instructions

• 1

  Find the health care oversight group in your state. Depending on where you live, it may be called the health department, health service or board of health.

• 2

  Search the oversight group's website for a link to file a complaint. It is usually found on the homepage, and the link will take you to another page with information on how to report your complaint.

• 3

  Read the complaint information and determine if your grievance qualifies. Usually, complaints about billing, personal conflicts and bedside manner won't be accepted. There is usually a statute of limitations as well.

• 4

  Follow the instructions on how to lodge a complaint if yours qualifies. You'll probably have to mail a written and signed report. Anonymous complaints are difficult to investigate and aren't usually accepted.