Question

ohn, a 34-year-old father of two children, is a member of a health maintenance organization (HMO) in Texas. John has made several trips to an area clinic recommended by his HMO to seek medi- cal attention since finding blood in his bowel movements. He has been taking large amounts of aspirin for persistent headaches but did not realize that this could cause internal bleeding. John was always seen at the clinic by a physician assistant, Robert M., but never by a physician. Robert didn't ask John about taking any nonprescription medica tions. John didn't realize that he should mention his over-the-counter medication (aspirin) consumption. Robert tells John to take an antacid preparation to control the bleeding, but does not order any tests. He tells John to return if he is not any better. Two days later, John is rushed to the area emergency room with a bowel hemorrhage. 1. What responsibility, if any, does Robert have for John's emergency condition? 2. Does the clinic have a responsibility to provide its HMO members with the services of a physician? 3. What responsibility, as a healthcare consumer, does John have for his own medical condition?

Answer 1

1.Being a healthcare professional it is always important to collect a thorough history from the patient. Here Robert has missed doing ,not prescribing any tests or just referring to the provider for further investigation because blood in stool is a clear sign of some sort of bleeding which needs diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

2.Beingva HMO member they are cared and can select a provider within the network. Therefore it is one if the important responsibility of the clinic to provide a doctor or provider to a HMO member too.

3.As a healthcare consumer it is necessary to inform all the problems genuinely to a healthcare professional for the most appropriate care.Here John should have reported about the use of a OTC for headache which has a severe side effects of bleeding. If he would have told this at the visit his emergency room visit could have been prevented.