LISTEN ALL OF YOU BUT BLACK WOMEN ESPECIALLY
If a doctor refuses treatment or tests, say “I would like your refusal to treat documented in my chart.”
Then wait about 24 hours. (Partly for computer processing time, partly so if they think they’re being smart and saying yes but not actually doing it they’ll think they’re in the clear.)
Then call the doctor’s office AND SAY YOU WANT A COPY OF YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS.
If the refusal to treat isn’t in your records, you now have a malpractice suit.
Very, very few doctors are going to risk that possibility. They’ll bitch and moan when you ask for documentation, but they’ll run your tests.
As a comparison, by the way, here’s a doctor who had nothing to hide: my mom’s eye doctor when her eye started getting to the “It’s going to have to be physically removed” stage. He met us at the office at 9pm, long after close, with his date, to give my mom an injection to try to relieve the pressure in the eye. (Luckily said date also worked at the clinic and completely understood why he was doing this. He’s a great guy, he deserves a great lady.) I asked if he could note the exact time in her records, because the time needed between these injections was speeding up immensely. His reply:
“Actually that could give us an idea how fast this is progressing. Yes. What time is it? I’ll look up her earlier visit when I’m done.”
If your doctor isn’t that eager to make these notes, demand documentation and try to find a new doctor ASAP. It will save your life.