Would you visit a doctor who didn’t have a cell phone? What about a doctor who didn’t keep electronic medical records? Would you trust your health in the hands of someone who doesn’t know how to use a computer?
Many people would happily see this type of doctor, especially if he or she has decades of experience and is a trusted member of the community. However, if this same doctor is also facing multiple complaints of problematic medication-prescribing methods and questionable medical decision making, his or her ability to practice medicine should be called into question. That is the case for one 84-year-old doctor who says she was forced to give up her medical license.
Do doctors need to adapt to new technology?
One of the main issues in this case was the doctor’s unwillingness and inability to adopt current recordkeeping practices. Because she did not keep electronic records, she did not conform to the state’s opioid monitoring laws, for instance.
Quality medical care existed long before computers, but as technology has advanced, so has the practice of medicine. Adapting to these changes – even at a minimal level – can be crucial for any physician in order to comply with state licensing requirements and provide effective care.
There are many traits and skills people look for when they go to see a doctor, and every patient has different priorities. Some want a doctor on the cutting edge of technology; others prefer care that is more traditional from a doctor with excellent bedside manner.
Whatever a person values when it comes to their health care, they should be able to expect their doctor is licensed and capable of providing a certain standard level of care. If this does not happen, then patients can pay the price for medical mistakes or bad decisions that jeopardize their health and wellbeing.
If you or a loved one has suffered an adverse medical event as a result of medical negligence or malpractice, you should understand your legal options regarding compensation for damages.