Monday February 17, 2003

Healthcare-related Complaints

When a healthcare provider or product fails to meet expectations, consumers can feel frustrated and confused about where to turn. The following sites can offer assistance in finding recourse.

Food Safety

• Presented by the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Assists consumers in finding the appropriate agency - federal or state - for reporting food-related complaints, such as foodborne illnesses or fraud and quackery related to food products and dietary supplements.

http://www.foodsafety.gov/~fsg/fsgprobs.html

Nursing Facilities

• Sponsored by the Federal Trade Commission
• For consumers who have a concern about the quality of care in a nursing home
• Lists sites for state offices with oversight, as well as associations and ombudsmen to contact

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/health/whocares/nursing.htm

Medicaid Managed Care

• Compiled by the organization, Families USA
• A fact sheet describing Federal Medicaid law and regulations, and complaint and fair hearing rights
• Outlines rights for aggrieved Medicaid beneficiaries

http://www.familiesusa.org/media/factsheets/grievfst.htm

Consumer Action Handbook

• Guidance for consumers from the U.S. Government
• Covers healthcare providers, nursing homes, medications, health insurance, and more
• Lists contacts at companies, trade associations, government agencies, and national consumer organizations
• Discusses "smart shopping" and becoming an informed healthcare consumer

http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/crh/respref.htm

Boards of Pharmacy

• Presented by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy
• A roster of state pharmacy boards
• Offers links for connecting with the board for your state

http://www.nabp.net/whoweare/boards.asp

Complaining about Dentists

• From the American Dental Association
• Offers guidance on selecting a dentist, deciding on recommended treatments, obtaining dental records, and more
• Details the steps to take if you are dissatisfied with your dental care

http://www.ada.org/public/faq/relationship.html#disputes

National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program

• Presented by the U.S. Government
• Answers common questions about the NVICP, including vaccines covered and amounts awarded
• Advises on when and how to file a claim

http://www.hrsa.gov/osp/vicp/qanda.htm

Unsafe Products

• From the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Offers an online form for reporting an injury or complaint about an unsafe product
• Directed toward both consumers and healthcare providers

http://www.cpsc.gov/talk.html

This page © 2003 NAHEC

This page last modified: 05/09/03