Question

If a patient feels that he or she has been incorrectly billed for services and wants to take legal action, would it be a criminal or civil action? Explain your answer.

Think of a reason a doctor might no longer want to see a patient. Describe at least one example of this. How could the doctor handle this situation without abandoning him or her?
Give three reasons that abuse might be hard for a health professional to detect.
Why do you think older people among the elderly are the most likely to be abused?
Why might a person choose a living will over a Durable Power of Attorney?"

Answer 1

If a patient feels they have been incorrectly billed, they can take legal action in a civil court. A doctor might not want to see a patient due to non-compliance or abusive behavior, but they can handle the situation through communication. Abuse is hard to detect due to lack of reporting, misunderstood symptoms, and complexity in healthcare settings. Older people are more likely to be abused due to vulnerability and dependence. A person may choose a living will for specific medical treatment preferences.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a patient feels that he or she has been incorrectly billed for services and wants to take legal action, it would be a civil action. Civil law cases involve private parties who allege harm or injury committed by the other party. In this case, the patient is alleging that they have been incorrectly billed by the healthcare provider.

A doctor might no longer want to see a patient for various reasons, such as poor patient compliance, drug-seeking behavior, or abusive behavior. One example of a reason a doctor might no longer want to see a patient is if the patient consistently fails to follow the prescribed treatment plan or refuses to take medication as directed.

To handle this situation without abandoning the patient, the doctor can try to address the issues causing the doctor-patient relationship strain. This can involve open and honest communication with the patient, discussing the importance of treatment compliance, and addressing any underlying issues that may be contributing to non-compliance.

There are three reasons abuse may be hard for a health professional to detect:

1. Lack of reporting: Many victims of abuse may be hesitant or afraid to report their experiences due to fear, shame, or dependence on the abuser.
2. Misunderstanding of symptoms: Some signs of abuse, such as unexplained injuries or changes in behavior, can be mistakenly attributed to other health conditions.
3. Complexity of healthcare settings: In busy healthcare settings, health professionals may not have enough time or resources to thoroughly assess and identify abuse.

Older people among the elderly are more likely to be abused due to factors such as increased vulnerability, social isolation, and dependence on caregivers. Older individuals may be perceived as easier targets for abuse, and their limited resources and support systems can make it harder for them to seek help or escape abusive situations.

A person might choose a living will over a Durable Power of Attorney for healthcare decisions if they want to have specific instructions about their medical treatment preferences in the event that they become incapacitated. A living will allows individuals to outline their wishes regarding life-sustaining treatments, whereas a Durable Power of Attorney grants someone else the authority to make healthcare decisions on their behalf.