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A doctor may decide that there is "nothing which can be done" if the problems are too numerous and additional attempts to help may only cause additional harm. This would not be decided in isolation; a doctor would consult with other specialists before ever reaching this decision. Additionally, this would never be the final answer; the doctor would probably say "I can't help you, but here are the names of a few specialists who might be able to assist."
Doctors also (should) know their limitations. Sometimes, a problem, or a conglomeration of problems, is better left to specialists. Osteopaths (DOs) are doctors with specialized training to understand health issues within the framework of a systemic approach to health. A general practice doctor may refer a patient to a DO, or an internal medicine specialist, if a conglomeration of issues is better handled by one of them. I don't think I'd categorize that as a refusal to treat, however. It's a point at which a doctor knows that the best care for the patient can be achieved by someone more specialized.
Ultimately, a doctor will try to the best of his ability, to help. "First, do no harm" as the colloquial shortening of the beginning of the Hippocratic Oath is said.
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Can a doctor force a patient to have a surgery when they are looking for alternative ways to fix the problem?
No. A patient or responsible party must consent to the surgery. A doctor may stop treating you if you refuse his health care directions.
What can a nurse do if the patient refuse treatment and the doctor give treatment to the patient?
Thank the Dr. for providing the patient care and leave the room. Done.
Can a doctor refuse to release medical records even if the patient gives his/her permission to do so?
no they cant
Can a patient ask a doctor out on a date?
Yes but if the patient is a patient of that doctor, the doctor would HAVE to refuse. Doctors, like everyone else, have a rite to a private life and can go out on dates. However, the rules (for the doctor) are that the the relationship between a doctor and that doctor's patient must be professional, because doctors are in a position to take advantage of their patients (who may be feeling vulnerable).
Can a doctor refuse to see a new patient?
Yes, a doctor is not under an obligation to see someone. However, in an emergency situation, such as at a hospital, they cannot refuse to take action to preserve life.
Can a doctor refuse treatment based on age and type of insurance?
A doctor has the right to refuse to accept a new patient except on the grounds of discrimination. After under a doctor's care, the doctor must provide care unless the doctor terminates the relationship with sufficient notice "long in advance". However, Under the EMTALA law, a doctor and/or hospital is obligated to get a patient evaluated and stabilized in a medical emergency situation.
Can a Dr. refuse to treat a patient?
If it is not your family doctor, then yes. Most of the time it depends on what is wrong with you. For instance if you go to the hospital with a broken bone, they can't refuse to treat you. They have to treat you because it's a relative emergency. If you go to a doctor who isn't your family doctor because you have a cold, then they could possibly refuse to treat you.
Can a docttor refuse to see a patient if he thinks they are wasting tablets?
yes they can. It is a patients right and choice to refuse any drugs prescribed by a doctor. A doctor can technically, only advice the patient to take the medication. If the child is a minor than it is the adults choice.
Can a doctor refuse to see a patient?
Yes, a doctor is not under an obligation to see someone. However, in an emergency situation, such as at a hospital, they cannot refuse to take action to preserve life.
Is it a recordable injury if the treating physician does not recommend medical treatment but the patient does want treatment?
Sorry, but just because you WANT treatment does not mean that you NEED treatment. Lots of people want antibiotics for a cold, but a good doctor will refuse to give that to them. If you REALLY feel as though you NEED treatment for the problem that you are experiencing, you can always get a second opinion from another doctor.
Can physicians drop patients?
Yes, a doctor can refuse to continue on with a patient if the patient isn't being cooperative, such as missing appointments with the doctor, refusing to see a specialist, not taking medication as prescribed by the doctor (the patient has a right to request not to take certain medications if they feel there is too many side effects .. unless life-threatening.) For example: If a patient has been diagnosed with cancer that is not curable, but the doctor may want to prolong their life with chemo or radiation treatments and the patient would rather have what time they have as quality time and refuse this treatment the doctor will abide by the request of the patient involved. The doctor will still treat that patient to the best of his/her ability and is there to try to control pain (if necessary.) Most doctors will drop a patient if the patient is constantly argumentative, if the patient stops and starts their medications which may cause serious harm by doing so without permission of the doctor; disrupts the office or the patient asks for the help of the doctor, but refuses to follow direction from their doctor. The doctors are extremely busy and don't have time for any nonsense. I worked part-time for a psychologist who was extremely busy. If the patient missed more than two appointments he would warn them the first time, tell them the second time if it happened again without a 24 hour warning that the appointment couldn't be kept, he would refuse to keep them on as his patient. There are so many people that really want help, so doctors of any type don't want to clog up their time with patients who are argumentative and refuse to follow direction. I think that's fair. However, if the patient (no matter what their personality) goes into ER they have to be treated!
Can doctor refuse to care for a healthy patient who is refusing testing?
Yes, but if its an emergancy they have to provide some sort of care no matter what.
