Q: Who do I contact if I feel like healthcare care providers are disregarding my medical complaint?

A: If you believe your medical complaints are being disregarded by healthcare providers, your first step should be to seek a second opinion from another medical professional. It's important to have your concerns thoroughly evaluated, especially if you suspect a serious condition like a parasitic infection.

Additionally, you can contact the patient advocate or ombudsman at the hospital or clinic where you received your care. These individuals are there to address patient concerns and can assist in facilitating further investigation or response to your situation.

If you continue to feel your concerns are not being adequately addressed, you might consider consulting with an attorney who has experience in medical malpractice or patient rights. They can offer guidance on your legal options and whether your situation warrants further action.

Remember, it's crucial to advocate for your health and well-being. If you're not satisfied with the responses you're receiving, don't hesitate to seek additional medical opinions and professional advice.

A: As my colleague correctly advised, if you are dissatisfied with the level of care you received, you can reach out to the hospital's patient advocate and lodge a formal complaint. That said, your focus should be on getting appropriate medical care. If you are still experiencing symptoms consistent with a parasitic infection, make an appointment to see your internist or, better yet, an infectious disease specialist. Absent any significant injury caused by a misdiagnosis or delay in treatment, however, the time and expense of a medical malpractice lawsuit would arguably not be justified.