Medico-legal important information

All patients and health professionals should know their rights and the way that medico-legal matters can work. Here, we?ve explained some of the basic information you need to know.

Medico legal information can get confusing and it can be hard to know where you stand. Here, we?ve listed some of the important information you need to know. From how to seek advice to getting a second opinion, these are the things you should be aware of:

For patients

How much information are you able to access?

Through freedom of information, you are entitled to access all medical details about yourself from public hospitals. Keep in mind that it may be more difficult to get information such as case notes that is in the hands of those working in private practice. The only costs that should incur are the cost of photocopying the relevant documents.

Seeking another medical opinion

If you think that you or someone close to you has been diagnosed incorrectly which has led to further complications, then you will want to obtain all medical information from the treating doctor and seek out another medical opinion from a specialist. There are many different organisations that specialise in helping you ?nd a specialist who can give you an independent opinion and provide you with the legal advice you need on how to take action and receive compensation.

Workers Compensation

If you are having dif?culties with your usual GP in relation to a worker?s compensation claim then it may be a good idea to see another health professional. Workers? Compensation requires fast, consistent action and there are legal obligations that need to be met by both the patient and the treating physician.

For health professionals

If you are having dif?culties with a worker?s compensation patient and are unsure of how to proceed there are many organisations that specialise in medico legal advice. If you are hesitating about whether or not to seek out this advice it is better to do so straight away so that you can avoid any problems that many arise down the track.

Learning about your medico legal responsibilities

Knowledge is power. Many doctors ?nd medico legal information unnecessary until something happens, but by this time it can be too late. Educate yourself on medico legal issues and how to handle the situations you are likely to come up against. You may want to seek out medico legal advice if you:

• Have a claim made against you.
• You are required to write a submission to the Medical Board, Medicare Australia, the coroner and Police as well as the complaints commission.

Being prepared and aware of your responsibilities will make dealing with these types of situations less stressful for you.

For both patients and health professionals alike, it is important that both parties know their legal responsibilities. Wether that involves providing an independent medical opinion in a worker?s compensation case or it involves assisting the health professional with as much past medical history of yours to ensure an accurate diagnosis; both parties are responsible for the outcomes achieved in a public or private medical practice.

Author Bio: Tom Mallet is an Australian freelance writer and journalist. He writes extensively in Australia, Canada, Europe, and the US. He?s published more than 500 articles about various topics, including?independent medical opinion.

Source: http://www.kabar-irian.com/medico-legal-important-information/7175/

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