My mother has a traumatic brain injury and Sarasota memorial hospital has done some bad things and I wanted them to transfer her to Tampa general and they denied me. I need to get her there for a second opinion for what they've done to her medication list and how they're treating her
You may or may not be able to accomplish this.
Your descriptions of what has or has not been done is quite vague, but then the treatment of TBI is as well.
The last few wars have been teaching medicine a whole lot about TBIs due to the huge rate of concussive injuries to the brain. We are on the cutting edge here. Some hospitals are indeed better at specializing in this, but there is quite often little to be done but good therapy. And in order to participate in that it is a requirement that there be enough youth and stamina to even try.
Each TBI injury is as individual as one's own thumbprint. That makes it problematic in treatment.
Much will depend on your insurance coverage, whether medicare with excellent supplemental or not. Your choice in hospitals and doctors is often limited by coverage. Social workers can hopefully help you understand your options. There may not be many. Meanwhile do research what hospitals in your area are specializing in TBI injuries. There are many fine memoirs out just now, and some have glossaries of institutions specializing, but online info may be your friend. Look up your area with the added words "specialist in TBI injuries".
Call the Tampa hospital to make sure they can take him.
Were you given a reason why the transfer couldn't take place? Have you taken your concerns/complaints to Patient Advocacy Services (941-917-1311 / patientadvocate@smh.com)?
If you find no relief from there, transfers from one medical facility to another always start with the social worker in the facility where you wish care to be provided. You would also have to talk with the social worker in the current facility.
I hope your LO and you get what you need.
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6. The patient has the right to make decisions about the plan of care prior to and during the course of treatment and to refuse a recommended treatment or plan of care to the extent permitted by law and hospital policy and to be informed of the medical consequences of this action. In case of such refusal, the patient is entitled to other appropriate care and services that the hospital provides or transfer to another hospital. The hospital should notify patients of any policy that might affect patient choices within the institution.
SOURCE: American Patient Rights Association (www.apra.org)
Were you given a reason why the transfer couldn't take place? Have you taken your concerns/complaints to Patient Advocacy Services (941-917-1311 / patientadvocate@smh.com)?
If you find no relief from there, transfers from one medical facility to another always start with the social worker in the facility where you wish care to be provided. You would also have to talk with the social worker in the current facility.
I hope your LO and you get what you need.
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6. The patient has the right to make decisions about the plan of care prior to and during the course of treatment and to refuse a recommended treatment or plan of care to the extent permitted by law and hospital policy and to be informed of the medical consequences of this action. In case of such refusal, the patient is entitled to other appropriate care and services that the hospital provides or transfer to another hospital. The hospital should notify patients of any policy that might affect patient choices within the institution.
There is another doctor who services Sarasota Memorial.