Disruptive Physician

Have you been labeled a “disruptive physician?”

There are two primary definitions:

AMA: “Personal conduct, whether verbal or physical, that affects or that potentially may affect patient care negatively constitutes disruptive behavior. (This includes but is not limited to conduct that interferes with one’s ability to work with other members of the health care team.) However, criticism that is offered in good faith with the aim of improving patient care should not be construed as disruptive behavior.”

Center for Peer Review Justice:  “Who is ‘disruptive’? Is it the physician who advocates, even in a loud manner, for better patient care? Is it the physician who advocates for the “vocal minority” of the medical staff, the loyal opposition? A disruptive physician is usually one who over time and by the use of verbal harassment causes a disruption and potential for decreased quality of patient care. These physicians may, depending on the circumstances, be dealt with in a variety of ways from a friendly discussion to loss of staff membership and privileges.”

Consequences of being labeled a “Disruptive Physician”

Being labeled “disruptive” can very well be lethal to one’s career, regardless weather it is truthful or not. The Center for Peer Review Justice strongly advices immediate consultation with us so that we can help reverse the destruction or future destruction to one’s career.

And, it is simple, direct, and effective.

Call us NOW if this describes you:  504-621-1670

or email Richard@peerreviewjustice.org

Common Situations which may result in disruptive behavior allegations

  1. A physician may be labeled disruptive if he disagrees with policy decisions made by the hospital.
  2. There may be the unfortunate, and risky, situation where a physician screams profanities at nurses.
  3. Situations involving drug and/or alcohol abuse may contribute but be remediated thru rehab.
  4. A temporary bout of depression or anger should result in the end of a career.
  5. Other cases may have their genesis in economic disagreements, such as when a physician refuses to sell his practice to the hospital or refuses to participate in a joint venture.
  6. Situations may arise where a physician believes a hospital is not providing top-quality patient care may result in retaliation.
  7. Some cases might simply involve personality clashes, which may become particularly problematic if the “clash” is between a physician and a member of the hospital administration.
  8. Some of these matters – such as a tirade in the ER – are easily linked to patient care issues. In other circumstances – disagreements over hospital policy – the connection to patient care is more tenuous and based more on economic or political pressures.

RESOURCES:

State of WashingtonMedical Quality Assurance Commission – Practitioners Exhibiting Disruptive Behavior – May 2016

American College of Surgeons: The disruptive physician: Addressing the issues – Feb 2015

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons: Disruptive Behavior and Orthopaedic Patient Safety – June 2014

Texas Medical Association: Denial, The Problem, and Professional Codes of Conduct – 2010

Health Care Compliance Association: Disruptive Practitioners And The 2009 Joint Commission Standards – Oct 2009

American Medical Association: Physicians with Disruptive Behavior – 2009

Disruptive Physician Articles

Contact The Center for Peer Review Justice

Richard B. Willner, Executive Director
Center for Peer Review Justice

Email: info@PeerReviewjustice.org

Peer Review Defense Hotline for a Complimentary Consultation: 504-621-1670.

If Deadline is near email immediately: Contact the Center for Peer Review Justice