Do doctors have the right to refuse to treat a patient ??

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Zoser

Yes they can: but till the step of saving a life they can not,, ,,,for many reasons;
1) they can refuse to treat a relative if they fear the interference of their emotions in the procedures
2) They can refuse to treat patients if they do not really know how to treat them
3) They can refuse to treat a patient , if the damage done by the treatment is higher than the treatment itself
4) They can not treat a patient if it is too risky and did not get approval from the patient or the patient family.
5)They can refuse to treat the patient if the treatment itself is a crime (like in abortion , where applicable)
6) They can refuse to treat the patient if the treatment will lead to a crime or cheating or against ethics,(like fixing the virginity).. (or the treatment by doing another crime,,,like stealing an organ for another person to treat the patient)
7) In cosmetic, they should refuse to treat the patient if what the patient wants is not realistic (like liposculpture and a fat person, the person should diet first.....as it is not away to lose weight...)
---8)I think it is even by law that they can refuse (or should refuse) to treat a patient , if the treatment procedures are still in the experimental phases (NOT APPROVED YET, ,,,,,unless lots of arrangement be done,,,by them, the patient and the medical community

9) They can refuse to treat the patient if the patient can not afford the treatment and is not a threaten situation (lets be logic)

--edit: They also can refuse to treat the patient if the place of the treatment is not occupied with the necessity of the treatment in case of an emergency which can happened during the treatment)

I think there are more cases that they can still refuse to treat the patient, as for one answer above me about treating a female by a male or vice versa,,,,I should congratulate the answerer for his post, He is doing his job well , by irritating people from Islam and I am considering converting , ,,,,, good work Adam !!!!!

Arabian Dune

They most defiantly do have that right. Us is no different.
the doctor has to direct the patient to another physician that will best serve the patient.
The only exception is an emergency life saving procedure, the attending physician whoever that is must administer therapy the best he can with no delay.
These situations very rarely come into action in real life.

The Clown

If it's urgent...... then no they can't.......... But ...
If it's normal treatment....... then they can refuse ..........

pat

I have seen them refuse to treat someone who there is no basis for treating; malingerers and fakers (Munchousen's and Munchousen's by proxy - I didn't spell that right) or if the person is threatening them or the situation is not safe. I will mention the oath because it is why we go into the medical profession - first do no harm though. I have heard MD's refusing to take a patient based on their ability to pay for their services and I feel that this practice is wrong. There is also the Good Samaritan Act that protects you if you treat to your best ability those in need in an emergency - keeps the lawsuits from evolving too. Legally, I guess it would depend on the state laws for which the refusal of treatment occurred.

Reikominder

:D lol @ Hasafer , Adam and zoser ,

Cool down guys , everyone has his opinion , and maybe I don't agree with Adam , but let him say what he wants ,

I like zoser answer in fact , I agree with most of his answer ,

Adam , just want to say to u that , u have the freedom to take my advice or not ok:
Look Adam, its ok to tell people what u learned abt Islam , But don't say things and say its Islam , I mean don't talk as u r a messenger from God, We all are Muslims Adam , but everyone talk with his opinion , Also , maybe all that is wrong , I mean we Muslims think that christian is wrong , but why??? i mean give me proof u r the right one , u can't man, u just can't , But everyone of us can believe in what he want , and in what he feels good,
Today Islam is not the answer at all :D , kidding me , Malaysia Islam is SO good , I mean look at the difference in our Muslims and there Muslims , WE DONT KNOW WHAT ISLAM MEANS YA ADAM , we are just praying and saying a7adees and that's it , we don't want to think abt it ,

Sorry for my long out-topic answer , I respect u all ,

Wish u all the best,

Sahar

i have no idea what the law says but my common sense says no they have no right to refuse treating a patient. not knowing how to treat a patient is another thing and is possible, but knowing how and refusing...

Ruby

Anything can happen in Egypt. I've heard stories of many patients being refused by doctors in the Egyptian hospitals because the patients were too poor to pay for their medical treatment. I do not know if the Egyptian law plays any roles here but I highly doubt it as it happens all the time and no actions are taken. I know in USA you cannot refuse a patient regardless of any circumstances even if they are unable to pay u still have to treat them. Hope it was the same in Egypt, so many lives would've been saved. Knowing ur a doctor, let me ask u, wud u ever refuse a patient if he/she is does not have money to pay for medical fees or for any other reason?

Mimi-ืืืื- ู…ูู…ู

I don't know but they probably did with me.
I hate all doctors and don't trust any of them.
Two years ago I went to a clinic for suffering from breathing problems. The doctors asked me to have so many tests. I had all the tests and then they told me that I have a problem in my heart. They refused to tell me what kind of problems. They didn't give me any medicine. My health is getting worse and worse and I can hardly breathe. I sometimes have to force the air throw my mouth. I prefer to die than to see a doctor.

Peace

Eastwoods' Baby

Yes, it's contradictory, but yes, they can.

some only take current patients & some wont take you if you have no insurance.

bad aint it?

Georgia on my Mind

ABSOLUTELY they DO refuse to treat in many cases and more than we know of.

Kalooka

it's a matter of consciense and personal commitment..some doctors will not say no, even for a guy who he knows that he harmed his own son (for example), others might say no just when they know that the patient has been takingh treatment under supervision with some other doctor (you know what i mean)..so it's kind of moral thing..practically, they do have this right..

tal

Yes definately " YES" A doctor has his own priorities just like any one else.

Mutya P

There are times when a Dr. can refuse to treat a patient. That is if it is not the doctor`s field of specialization.
Happy New Year, Hasafer. Hope you are in good health.
Take care and GOD BLESS!

Evil_Angel

DEPENDS WHAT COUNTRY

Reggie

no they are duty bound to help and treat all of there patients and will be struck off if they refuse unless they can justify why they cant treat anyone?

Silly Billy part 3

yeah if they think the procedure would lead to malpractice. A doctors biggest fear is being sued. I should know I used to be a doctor...........not really but it sounded good lol

Kaity

I think this is a hard question to answer. Morally should doctors refuse treatment? No, everyone deserves medical care. However, doctors need to live too. If someone doesn't have insurance they might have to go to a free clinic and it is understandable that the doctors would be worried about payment. As far as murderers and such, it is also understandable that a doctor might not want to help such a person. But I still think they deserve treatment. It is probably best that the doctor not know the situation of a patient.

7oda is searching for pure heart

I'am with Arabian Dune opinion

oh_jo123

nope they took the hypocritically oath to serve everyone in need
regardless

relator hallas

Only if i can find another doctor able to treat the patient.

7ala is fluffy ?

I think they do, but i dont think many would use the right.
Here in the uk, general doctors have the right to refuse, & do so if a patient is abusive or violent. Once you get refussed by a doctor here its hard to get re-registered (so i'm told).
They can refuse if you dont follow instructions before an operation, like not smoking & such.

allen2462001

Great Question!!!! If I may... add this, not only was my vision impaired by a eye physician to the point I haven't been able to work since Sept. and at present staying with someone <very special> that took me to get my VERY SAD second oppinion. from my originial eye Dr. the Dr. that messed up my govt. service for almost 35 years, I am virtually totally dependant on a very sweet, special lady that I met back in August. I have been to Duke once and have to back this comming week...
and yes ONE OF THE first things did was send me a certified letter saying not to come on his property ever again ... note for the RECORD ...he said that only after fitting me for over either 4 or pair of glasses. AND I AM Still not at work, nor can I drive. .. this person did more damage to me than getting shot and stabbed in Viet Nam...!!!!

Farah

As you said, I won't mention the oath you take as a doctor, which means that professional behavior will be set aside. In this case, I'd have to say that I could never of course refuse to treat a patient under the pretext of financial reasons. However, I honestly don't know if I could ever as a doctor bring myself to treat a rapist or a pedophile for example. "People" like that disgust me beyond belief and my personal view is that they are scum best wiped off the face of the earth. Hence, there is no way I am going to actually help treat such a filthy pig and save his life. To be honest, even if this was not a hypothetical question and if I was a doctor in real life, I don't think I could act professionally and do it.

โฅแฆ.Queenie McCain .แฆโฅ

yes, they're is a way around everything!

MetroGirl

If it is an emergency, doctors must treat the person. Hospitals cant turn away cases that show up in their ER and neither can doctors. If it is an elective surgery, like some plastic surgeries, they have more flexibility. If the person cant pay for a nose job or something the doctor doesnt have to do the surgery. Also, if the person wants something that isn't in their best interest (Against medical advice or standard practise), the doctor can refuse to prescribe something or perform a surgery.

Trish JPA and Jewish Pastafarian

Not in the U.S., they don't! You treat the patient put in front of you; end of sentence.

DagNaggit limpuladerfy II

I live in America and I was not looked at by a doctor! I didnt care for him either LOL

Dryest Flame

emotionally i'll say no way
but there is some time they know what we don't may be its better to not treat that patient

GOOFY-LOOK GOFY-LOCK GOFY-MIND

At some situations and cases

Lina the dragon

They may not refuse - that is their chosen profession - then if so, they can chose other jobs, why become doctors if they do not want to treat patients?

May be not the real doctors can refuse, true and honest doctors can never refuse patient/s

ayubchy

If the doctor can diagnose the patient's disease ,he/she has no right to refuse to treat the patient.

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