Howell, MI

Friday, January 02, 2009

As of January 1, 2009 enforcement of the Joint Commission (JCAHO) standards for disruptive physicians go into effect. Many entered this new year with new hopes. But not so for some physicians, especially those labeled as disruptive. I am a physician coach and I am disheartened. I have just spent the last hour listening to a physician who has been tagged as arrogant and abusive. He is a principled man in an honorable calling, who cares deeply about healing his patients.

He has been called on the carpet by his Department Head and is at risk of losing his career because of patient complaints. After listening to him, I believe where he possibly gets snagged the most often is when he stands on principle with a patient, such as not performing unnecessary surgery just because a patient requests it. I can imagine his inner teddy bear, becomes the fierce mother bear, all in protection of the best interest of the patient. In the big picture of things, I would estimate 99% of his patients think of him as a superior clinician whom they trust to place their lives in his hands.

I firmly believe it is highly prudent for a hospital administrator to give patient complaints high priority. They warrant an immediate response with the intent towards a deeper understanding. Instead, what typically happens is complaints accumulate in one's folder, at some point an informal talk is held over "a cup of coffee," and if any more complaints come in, the doctor's career is threaten. Too often the doctor has an indictment without trial, things become litigious because the doctor believes he has the right to a fair trial, and it can become a no win, costly situation.

We are experiencing a culture change in medicine. I worry that the days may become darker for physicians than they already are. My appeal to hospital administrators, please don't be too quick to dismiss a healer. Practicing medicine is an honorable calling, and many who practice are highly principled; and yes, some are not. Be wise in separating the wheat from the chaff. The quality of our health care system partially rests in the hands of your wisdom.

Sara Miller

Principal

True North Coaching

Howell, MI

5172921261

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