When you’re sick, vulnerable, or dealing with chronic health concerns, your healthcare professional is often the person you trust most. You rely on them not just to treat symptoms, but to listen to your concerns and explain options. So when something feels off, maybe they dismissed your pain or rushed through appointments, it can feel frustrating and deeply personal. 

Now, American healthcare costs more and more every year as medical debt routinely drives patients into bankruptcy. Costs have gone up this year once more, and President Trump’s tariffs are partly to blame. 

Besides, people in the US are sick for an average of 12.4 years. That’s a lot of money spent on healthcare alone. So conflicts are bound to arise with your healthcare provider if things don’t go according to your plan.

Resolving such conflict isn’t always easy, but it’s possible. And more importantly, it’s worth doing for your own peace of mind, your health, and sometimes even your safety. Here’s how. 

Start by Speaking Up Respectfully

If you feel unheard, mistreated, or dismissed, your first step is to open a conversation with your provider. Choose a time when you’re not in the middle of a crisis and ask for a private discussion. 

Express your concerns clearly and calmly. Explain how you felt rather than accusing them of wrongdoing outright. This is likely to lead to a better conversation than just blaming them outright. 

Often, healthcare providers aren’t even aware that something is wrong until a patient points it out. They’re juggling many responsibilities and may have missed cues that you needed more time or clarity. When given a chance, many will respond with compassion and a willingness to make things right. 

The goal of this conversation is not to win an argument but to build understanding.

Showing Them Ongoing Legal Cases

In some cases, bringing attention to ongoing legal cases similar to your situation can serve as a wake-up call. This doesn’t mean you’re threatening your provider with legal action. Instead, you’re using real-world examples to highlight the potential gravity of certain medical oversights. 

Lawsuits and settlements can show that patients who experienced harm were eventually heard and taken seriously. Take, for instance, the numerous Depo-Provera lawsuits filed across the country. These cases often center on women who used Depo-Provera, a commonly prescribed birth control injection and experienced unexpected and sometimes irreversible side effects. 

According to TorHoerman Law, some patients reported significant bone density loss and neurological issues. In some of these cases, they were not properly informed of the serious risks associated with Depo-Provera use, nor were they given alternative options. These lawsuits have sought compensation for medical expenses and also exposed the gaps in how some healthcare providers discuss risk and consent. 

The Depo-Provera lawsuit settlements have brought justice for many and emphasized the need for medical professionals to prioritize patient education and transparency. Bringing up examples like these can encourage a more thoughtful response from your provider.

Understand When to Involve a Third Party

Sometimes, conflict can’t be resolved between you and your provider alone. That’s when it helps to involve someone else, whether it’s a clinic manager or a state medical board.

Filing a formal complaint may feel like a big step, but it’s part of the system’s checks and balances. These organizations exist to make sure providers are meeting professional standards and treating patients ethically.

Before filing a complaint, be prepared. Gather all the relevant documents: appointment summaries, test results, prescriptions, and any communication you’ve had. Write down a timeline of events and be specific about what happened and how it affected you. 

Try not to get lost in emotion. Your feelings are valid but official bodies respond best to detailed, factual reports.

When You Can’t Move Forward Together

Of course, there are situations where the conflict runs deeper. If repeated efforts to talk things through are met with defensiveness, dismissal, or worse, hostility, it may be time to consider finding another provider. But even then, documenting your experience is important. 

Keep a record of visits, emails, test results, and medications prescribed, especially if you suspect a misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, or neglect.

Transferring your care is a patient’s right, and you don’t need anyone’s permission to do it. However, don’t make the switch in haste. Find someone new, confirm they’re a good fit, and arrange for your medical records to be sent over. If the issues with your former provider rise to the level of negligence, you may need to take additional steps to protect yourself.

When Legal Counsel Becomes Necessary

If the harm you’ve suffered is serious, like a misdiagnosis or other significant consequences, speak to a medical malpractice attorney. Attorneys will charge you a national average of $327 an hour (as of August 2023) but sometimes, making such high payments becomes necessary.

Many offer free consultations to help you understand whether your experience meets the legal definition of malpractice. If it does, they can help you pursue compensation and accountability.

Still, this should be a last resort, not a starting point. Legal battles are emotionally and financially exhausting. And many people who choose this route do so not for the money but because they feel it’s the only way they’ll be heard. 

If you’ve reached this point, it’s important to choose a lawyer who understands the law and also respects your experience, and communicates clearly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What fuels patient-doctor conflicts?

Patient-doctor conflicts often stem from miscommunication, differing expectations, or a perceived lack of empathy. Patients may feel unheard or rushed, while doctors might be overwhelmed or constrained by time. Mistrust can build if diagnoses or treatments don’t align with patient expectations. These conflicts are intensified when emotional or high-stakes situations are involved.

Can you sue your doctor for mistreatment or negligence?

Yes, patients can sue doctors for mistreatment or negligence if there’s proof of harm due to substandard care. These cases fall under medical malpractice law and require evidence like medical records and expert testimony. Legal action can be lengthy and emotionally taxing. Not all poor outcomes qualify as malpractice.

What makes conflict resolution difficult between doctors and their patients?

Resolving conflict is hard when trust has been broken or communication is poor. Medical jargon, emotional stress, and time constraints complicate understanding. Patients may feel powerless or misunderstood, while doctors might feel defensive. Without open dialogue, finding common ground becomes nearly impossible.

Resolving conflicts with a healthcare professional is rarely black and white. It requires courage, self-awareness, and sometimes tough decisions. But standing up for yourself when something doesn’t feel right isn’t just a patient’s right. It’s part of safeguarding your health. 

Whether your resolution comes through a heartfelt conversation or a courtroom, remember that your voice matters. You deserve to be heard, to be safe, and above all, to be treated with respect on your journey toward healing.