Q: Medical group refused 2nd opinion by Dr of the same group and group would not provide external referrals for 2nd opinion
Saw Dr 1 for a routine procedure to diagnose pain in two areas. After pain worsened and numbness that started when numbing medication was applied for the procedure did not go away after a week. Contacted Dr 1 via messaging who responded w/ no medication to address the pain bad enough to consider going to the hospital and stated that it was not normal to have numbness this long. No offer for a phone call or appointment.
Went to PCP within same medical group as pain was high. PCP immediately internally messaged Dr 2 of the same department for a same-day urgent consult as Dr 1 who did the procedure. PCP disagreed with Dr 1's response and diagnosis. Dr 2 did not respond while at Dr's office. Scheduled next available with Dr 2. Was canceled due to policy no second opinions for their own group. Contacted PCP explaining refusal with no response. Contacted PCP office for external referral and office never sent. Condition worsened.
Are there laws against a group refusing external referrals?
A: I am unaware of any law that prohibits a medical group from providing external referrals. Although in your situation it doesn't sound so much as a refusal to provide a referral as a failure to provide one. Regardless, even assuming the failure to provide a referral constituted a departure from the standard of care, absent any significant harm resulting from such failure, there'd be no basis for bringing a medical malpractice lawsuit.
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