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To bbb or senoirs

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15 Posts

abiha
Forum Newbie

Topics: 8
Posts: 35

07/23/07 - 01:48 PM

Dear bbb plz reply

I have a confusion.I worked with a physician in a private clinic for 6 months.he gave me a nice LOR which states that i took histories and did the examination under his supervision

my question is ,
is it illegal to do so without any insurance?
could this statement cause trouble for him?
shoud i use this lor or not?

prader-willi
Forum Elite

Topics: 28
Posts: 364

07/23/07 - 03:01 PM

as long as it was under his direct supervision...dont think shud create trouble....althoh not 100% sure...mayb bbb can throw some light on this

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bbb
IM Program Coordinator
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Topics: 33
Posts: 5,098

07/23/07 - 04:25 PM

Legal? Not really. You are an unlicensed physician touching patients. Would that be legal anywhere in the world?

Can he get into trouble? There's always a chance, it may be low, but a chance.

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bbb - trying to combine common sense and humour into realistic answers, but not going to guess on anyone's chances of getting into a position....

abiha
Forum Newbie

Topics: 8
Posts: 35

07/25/07 - 03:20 PM

thanks bbb and prader for yr reply.

i am really depressed .i worked so hard to get some usce and now when i have it i m scared to show it.
any advice plz, what shoud i do now?????????

medicus_81
Forum Elite
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Topics: 12
Posts: 432

07/25/07 - 04:06 PM

bbb: Legal? Not really. You are an unlicensed physician touching patients. Would that be legal anywhere in the world?

Hm...I don't think the license is the problem. That would mean that also all american med students and all interns until they take Step 3 would not be allowed to touch anybody- they also are not licensed! It will also mean that offering externships( whatever the facility- hospital, private practice) is illegal- if it really was illegal do you think anybody will be offering it? What would be illegal in my opinion is if you had no medical education whatsoever and you are trying to play doctor.

It is all about malpractice and the comfort level of the doctor you're working with. So my question is - how much can you harm anybody by asking him questions and doing a normal physical exam under direct supervision(I am not talking about any kind of procedures here)? Is it then about confidentiality? Well, as a silent observer you also here a LOT of confidential information...That will make an observership also illegal... rolling eyes

My subjective opinion on this is that you should use your LOR, you worked so hard to get it. I don't think you are breaking any laws here. Especially in private practice- the doctor is his own boss and decides how much he can trust you. I have never heard of anybody complaining that at the interview they got asked if they had insurance at this point or not?!? Maybe I am wrong...

My 2 cents wink

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abiha
Forum Newbie

Topics: 8
Posts: 35

07/25/07 - 06:11 PM

thanks for yr detailed answer,gives me hope. just to add i have passed step 3.would that make the situation any better?

medicus_81
Forum Elite
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Topics: 12
Posts: 432

07/25/07 - 07:21 PM

abiha,

Again I would say that in my opinion is not about exams taken or license. It is about malpractice(defined to my knowledge as resulting from deviation from the standard of care) and insurance, which is all not an issue if the doctor you are working with gives you the permission to take histories and do physical exams- I don't see how doing that is deviating from the standard of patient care. It will become an issue if you were doing procedures that might potentially harm the patient. I am not an attorney but again - I have never heard of such a case(externship) to become a legal issue, and of people getting asked about insurance status at this time when later interviewed.

I think you should use your LOR. Other opinions are welcome nod

Edited by medicus_81 on 07/25/07 - 10:34 PM

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hawaiii
Forum Senior
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Topics: 19
Posts: 103

07/25/07 - 07:29 PM

Legal? Not really. You are an unlicensed physician touching patients. Would that be legal anywhere in the world?

please these never make an issue of legal or illegal.this is about recommendation letter and being legal and having an insurance is not the business or concerned of interviewing program director

bbb
IM Program Coordinator
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Topics: 33
Posts: 5,098

07/26/07 - 06:40 AM

medicus_81 wrote:
[highlight=#99ffff]Hm...I don't think the license is the problem. That would mean that also all american med students and all interns until they take Step 3 would not be allowed to touch anybody- they also are not licensed! It will also mean that offering externships( whatever the facility- hospital, private practice) is illegal- if it really was illegal do you think anybody will be offering it? What would be illegal in my opinion is if you had no medical education whatsoever and you are trying to play doctor.

But students are students and not unlicensed physicians....there is a different. A facility with a true observership program would have certain insurances, etc.

It is all about malpractice and the comfort level of the doctor you're working with. So my question is - how much can you harm anybody by asking him questions and doing a normal physical exam under direct supervision(I am not talking about any kind of procedures here)? Is it then about confidentiality? Well, as a silent observer you also here a LOT of confidential information...That will make an observership also illegal... rolling eyes

which is why many programs don't have an observership program.....HIPPA violations, etc.

I'll stand by my answer - the physician could get into trouble. He probably won't, but he could. I don't think that a PD in the country is going to ask if he or you has insurance.....

Good luck.

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bbb - trying to combine common sense and humour into realistic answers, but not going to guess on anyone's chances of getting into a position....

medicus_81
Forum Elite
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Topics: 12
Posts: 432

07/26/07 - 07:45 AM

#10

bbb,

you know we always appreciate your input!!

That was my whole point- I don't see any PD chasing physicians across the country to ask legal questions. And you've been part of the interview process- can you recall anybody being asked about insurance status?

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bbb
IM Program Coordinator
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Topics: 33
Posts: 5,098

07/26/07 - 08:33 AM

#11

Not since 1988 when I started working with residents. The letter can be used, but....don't bring up insurance, etc.

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bbb - trying to combine common sense and humour into realistic answers, but not going to guess on anyone's chances of getting into a position....

medicus_81
Forum Elite
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Topics: 12
Posts: 432

07/26/07 - 09:14 AM

#12

Thanks bbb!!! nod