Should I file a complaint?

shutaff · April 2014

Sorry, this is kind of long...

I go to a regular OB and a high risk OB because of my history. When I had my anatomy scan at the high risk OB, the doctor I regularly see was not available and I saw a new female doctor. From the moment she walked in the room, I felt as if she was condescending and too brusque.

They noticed that I have partial placenta previa on the ultrasound, and when I asked her questions about it, she kept blowing me off, responding that "We will cross that bridge when we come to it" etc. She asked me if I had had any bleeding, and I told her yes, several times. She asked if it was 1st or 2nd trimester, and I told her it was most recently at the beginning of the 2nd, and I remembered specifically that it was because the ER doctor had mentioned that they wanted to use a sterile speculum since I was further along. She totally scoffed at that, said he didn't know what he was talking about, that the vagina is not a sterile environment, etc. etc. and never expressed any further concerns about the placenta previa. She didn't give me any precautions to take, even when I pressed about it.

Two weeks passed. This morning I checked my phone and had several missed calls, 2 voicemails, and a text from my regular OB. When he got the report from her and checked my scan, he was really concerned that she hadn't given me any precautions. He called the high risk doctor I normally see and they both agreed that I needed to be on complete pelvic rest and reduced physical activity. He explained that with the position my placenta is in that those activities would be risky and could be dangerous for me and the baby.

For two weeks, I have been doing all of the things I shouldn't be doing. I'm furious with that doctor for not making me aware of the precautions I needed to be taking. I am considering filing a complaint, but I'm not sure if I should and how I should go about it.

Anyone else had an experience like this?

abnelsen22 · April 2014

I would definitely file a complaint. That's just bad practice and dangerous for you.

chase16 · April 2014

I'm not a doctor, and I'm not pretending to hand out medical advice- BUT, I do know that studies in recent years have shown that pelvic rest, bed rest, and limited physical activity arent as effective as doctors believed in the past. It could be that this doctor has looked at the new evidence, and doesn't recommend those things to patients, because she believes them to be ineffective. (The theory is that these methods are prescribed because they give both the mom and the doctor something to "do" to prevent pregnancy complications)

That being said, if she made you uncomfortable, or feel that she put your baby in jeopardy, it's your baby and your pregnancy, and you should absolutely file a complaint.

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/14/bed-rest-premature-birth_n_3272355.html
https://www.parenting.com/article/can-you-prevent-preterm-labor

tamarar5 · April 2014

I have experience with bad obs right now but nothing like yours! This witch could have caused you to inadvertantly hemorrhage or lose the baby! I absolutely would file a complaint. Contact the practice and the AMA. If this person is a HR ob, she absolutely knew the risks of your condition and she had no business working with pregnancy at all. IMO, obstetrics should be a one strike and you're out permanently field!

shutaff · April 2014

@chase16, I'm not an expert on this either, but I'm pretty sure that a recommendation of pelvic rest for placenta previa is different than a recommendation of bed rest for other conditions because in this case, it is actually about an object physically coming in contact with the placenta, which can cause it to rupture, lead to severe bleeding and deprive the baby of her life source.

chase16 · April 2014

shutaff said:

@chase16, I'm not an expert on this either, but I'm pretty sure that a recommendation of pelvic rest for placenta previa is different than a recommendation of bed rest for other conditions because in this case, it is actually about an object physically coming in contact with the placenta, which can cause it to rupture, lead to severe bleeding and deprive the baby of her life source.

My bad, I thought I had read that it was all three, but like I said, I'm definitely not a doctor and don't pretend to know what I'm talking about when it comes to health care. I wouldn't really know how to file a complaint either, but I imagine you could start with the clinic itself, and go from there if they don't make an effort to address the issue.

rockyrollgirl · April 2014

Well, I definitely would not want to be seen by that doctor again.

kiley820 · April 2014

Absolutely! I switched OB's in the first trimester because of an issue with a doctor and the office as a whole. Just didn't get a good vibe and wasn't comfortable having them care for me the duration of my pregnancy, especially since it was so early on. I love my doctor and OB office where I am now...with the exception of one doctor. I had to see her one time since my doctor had an emergency the day of my appointment and she was so rude and cold. I left there so upset but just requested to never be seen by her again. I also made sure to let them know why but didn't file a formal complaint. In your case, I most definitely would just for the fact that she may very well have put you and baby at risk. Maybe she doesn't necessarily agree but her job as your doctor is to give you all the information you want and need to know. Ultimately, it is your body and your pregnancy. Also, the fact that your other doctor was highly concerned is bothersome. Just my two cents! Glad you & baby are ok though.

JadaBlue · April 2014

I agree with PPs-send a written letter to your high-risk OB practice by certified mail detailing your experience and requesting a response. If there is something in particular you want them to do, ask for it. I'm glad you're getting the care you need now.

Jentech84 · April 2014

You should definitely file a complaint with the doctor's office. Your doctor was concerned about her lack of good practice with you as well. I'm sure he would back you up on it too

tinkerbell019 · April 2014

I would also file a complaint. FWIW, I agree with PP and would do this formally in writing, as I've noticed making complaints simply via phone calls may go unheeded.

MandMLeona · April 2014

A bit of a spin off question for you. Which practice will be participating in your birth? If it's the high risk group, you could end up with this woman at your birth. Would you trust anything she had to say? Should you consider a different practice? Even if you end up scheduling a C-section, your baby could choose to come earlier and you could get her if she's on call. Food for thought.

Allison7 · April 2014

I would say something. I had a bad a/s experience and I wasn't going to say anything, but the more I thought about it the more comfortable I felt letting someone know about the experience. I don't want someone else to go through what I did. That doctor might have had her reasons for not giving you restrictions, but she should have explained it more. And I am sure you wouldn't want another woman to go through that.

shutaff · April 2014

Thanks everyone! I appreciate your concern and advice. I have an appointment with my regular OB soon, so I am going to speak to him about filing a complaint. I will most likely do it in writing, as suggested. Luckily, unless anymore complications arise, his practice is the one that will be delivering our baby.

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