The administration hopes it will spur new strategies for preventing mistakes. Donio's advice to today's unhappy patients is to let the person or institution representative know. You have a responsibility to talk to your provider if you are upset. Problems ranging from billing disputes and insurance issues to dirty rooms and testy office staff routinely send consumers and their families to their telephone or mailbox to register distress. Craig Becker of the Tennessee Hospital Association said he directs unhappy hospital patients back to the institution.
Hospitals have staff designated as patient advocates.
In Tennessee, the state medical and dental societies will mediate certain consumer disputes. The service is also offered by the Mississippi and Arkansas dental associations. The process, which is free to consumers and relies on volunteer professionals, can take months and such groups cannot force either side to accept its recommendations. If legal action is under way, the groups won't review a case. Often they just want the physician to know how they feel.