Can a doctor stop a treatment if I do not agree?
February 29, 2024 | 60,00 EUR | answered by Laura Vollmann
Dear Medical Lawyer,
I am reaching out to you with a question that is weighing heavily on my mind. My name is Tatiana Kleine and I am concerned about a situation I recently experienced with my doctor. I have undergone a lengthy treatment that has been helping me so far, but at my last appointment, my doctor suddenly informed me that he wants to discontinue the treatment because I no longer agree to it.
I am confused and worried about whether a doctor really has the right to stop a treatment just because the patient does not agree. I understand the importance of both parties being involved in the treatment process, but I am wondering if the doctor can simply make the decision to stop the treatment without discussing it with me or finding alternative solutions.
I am concerned that discontinuing the treatment could have negative effects on my health and I am wondering if there are legal options to prevent this or to find a proper solution. I want to ensure that my medical needs are taken seriously and that I receive the best possible care without my rights as a patient being violated.
Could you please explain to me if a doctor actually has the right to stop a treatment if the patient does not agree, and if there are legal steps I can take to protect my health and receive appropriate treatment?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Tatiana Kleine
Dear Ms. Kleine,
Thank you for your inquiry and your trust in my expertise as a medical law attorney. I understand your concern about the situation you experienced with your doctor, and I would like to help you clarify things.
Indeed, a doctor generally has the right to discontinue treatment if the patient does not agree. This is based on the principle of medical therapy freedom, which states that the doctor alone decides on the choice of therapy. However, the doctor must also consider the wishes and needs of the patient and try to find a solution together.
It is important to emphasize that a doctor cannot simply discontinue treatment without discussing it with the patient or offering alternative solutions. The doctor is obligated to inform the patient about the reasons for discontinuing treatment and, if necessary, suggest alternative treatment options. The patient has the right to be informed about their medical treatment and to be involved in the decision-making process.
If you feel that discontinuing treatment could have negative effects on your health or if you feel that your rights as a patient have been violated, there are various legal steps you can take. You could first try to have a conversation with your doctor and try to find a solution together. If this is not possible or if you do not feel sufficiently informed, you could also seek a second opinion from another doctor.
Furthermore, as a patient, you have the right to contact the relevant medical board or patient rights advisory service to receive support and advice on medical law issues. In particularly serious cases, it may also be advisable to involve a medical law attorney to represent your interests and potentially initiate legal action.
I hope that this information is helpful to you and can support you in your situation. If you have any further questions or need legal advice, I am at your disposal.
Best regards,
Laura Vollmann
Medical Law Attorney
