Do you know your patient rights?

MyBrownEyedBoy wrote: All the medical posts around here lately got me thinking. Do you all know what you are entitled to as a patient? You have the right to request a pediatric phlebotomist when your child is having blood drawn. You have the right to request someone else when a person misses your vein. You should feel free to ask which tests are being drawn. And never feel intimidated by a lab tech. We are there to help, it's our job to make sure you feel as comfortable as possible and leave as well informed as you need to be. Also, I know it's tempting, but try not to use the internet as a diagnostic tool. Let your doctor do the diagnosing and then use the internet as a research tool. You will only scare yourself. Trust me, I have seen that happen WAY too many times.

Bee_Kay replied: I am a very nosey patient (with me and my chlidren). I ask a ton of questions and most doctor and nurses are happy to accomodate me.

I do, however, look to the internet as a guideline. If I, or my children (or husband) have certain symptoms, I tend to look it up. Not for a diagnosis, but more for "could it be this" or "could it be that" type thing..... and then head for the doctor

MyBrownEyedBoy replied: I'm not saying the internet is bad, but you can often find some bizarre diseases online with common symptoms. I guess what I mean is if you are hearing hoofbeats, you should think of horses, not zebras. Meaning, go for a common cause. And don't look for the worst case.

MyLuvBugs replied: All that you mentioned also applies to Dr's as well. I was always taught that I had the right to ask for a second opinion, or refuse medicine or medical action if I felt I needed to. But I'm sure most of this is common sense, or you'd hope it would be. But I also know that there's always people out there that are the kind to be taken advantage of. (I've fallen into that trap a couple times myself. )

Thanks for the info though.

amymom replied: Good post. Thanks for the info.

C&K*s Mommie replied: Thanks for the information! I had never thought in terms like that, I suppose if push ever came to shove then I would react- but I did not know any of that as a basis.

Maybe that is something that is in the Patients Rights handout you get when you are registered in a hospital.... that I never read.

MommyToAshley replied: Thanks for the information and reminder.

I am used to being poked a few times before actual blood is drawn. I have had as much as 3 to 4 pokes in each arm. But, I have noticed since I was PG and gained weight, it is much easier for them to draw blood. Sorry, got OT there.

PrairieMom replied: it always amazes me how many of my patients don't know their rights. They think that becuase the Dr. "says so" they need to blindly follow orders. As a paitent, you have the right to refuse any medication, therapy, or treatment you want, and also have the right to refuse who will treat you.
I always ask for a Pediatric ICU / flight nurse to draw blood on my child. There is usually a look of relief on the ER nurses face.

if you are admitted to the hospital, read your patients bill of rights.

Thanks Kelly for bringing this up.

luvmykids replied: Thank you, I'm glad to know that. When Colt was 2 months old they had to draw blood and the lady was not only new but a total basket case. She poked that poor baby everywhere, he was screaming, I was bawling, I asked for someone else and he wasn't any better. I didn't even know there was such a thing as a pediatric phlebotomist. Good info!

amymom replied:
A bit off topic but I must say that I honor the floor they walk on. I can't imagine having a very sick child, but my 9 yr old has had blood drawn about 60 times. At least 15 times before she was two. (I know some on here have had worse, but to me any stick to my child is terrible). Anyway I learned to make the request and it has always been honored, but I always feel a bit embarresed to 'make a stink' or 'make trouble' And I appreciate Kelly bringing it up like this. It is so wonderful the things we learn from each other.

MyLuvBugs replied:
HA! I did that when I was in labor with Lorelei. THis HORRIBLE midwife that we'd seen at one of our visits b/c the DR was sick was on call that night. I mean this woman.....DH had to restrain me in the DR office from hitting her....She was a TOTAL B****. So, we get to the hospital and up to L&D, and there she is, like some sort of nightmare. The nurse says, we have a midwife and a dr on-call tonight, and I stopped her right there and said "You keep that stupid midwife away from me or else." The poor nurse, goes "Ok, may I ask why you do not want her" and I started to another contraction, so DH piped in and say nicely "They had a difference of opinion the other day." The nurse just smiled and said "Oh!" lol

But you're right, If you don't like the Dr. Refuse them and demand someone else.

Edward's Mommy replied: I usually too shy to ask questions and a lot of times, I don't understand!! Unless it's with my son. Then I ask every question there is to ask.