Home Forums Discussions General Discussion abusive patients and work place violence

hello,
I would like to know how other users deal with abusive patients e.g those who avail of services or have an office visit and then leave without paying or are abusive because they dont like the advice they received i.e shoot the messenger . With the recent uptick in work place violence I was wondering what measures others take to prevent any physical violence or how they deal with these issues . As I am in solo practice, I feel very vulnerable. I am not even sure if I should bill patients who leave without paying in case they come back and threaten us
thanks
Bala

We have had a Taser on our crash cart for years. Never used it, but our staff knows how to use it. The personal model is relatively inexpensive and non-lethal. Another thing is displaying video cameras and signs that warn that video surveillance is active.

Issue for some may be local ordinances. In Florida I can shoot anyone who looks at me cross-eyed. I've been told that not true everywhere.

Note to self: when my cross-eyed relatives vacation in Florida, do not refer them to John.

thanks John,
we were thinking about having a locked door between the exam rooms and waiting area but apparently this is against the fire dept code. The taser is an interesting thought and sounds like a good idea. I heard there were some doctors who actually have guns for their protection. For the first time this year,the local police dept is holding 'active shooter training ' in my town

Bala

Well, it's Alaska so you can expect there to be a gun on site. Yesterday, and fairly commonly, patients are open carrying when they come to an appointment. Some are police, some are not. It makes me a little nervous, because I don't know why they are open carrying, but I've joked with my staff about walking in with a stethoscope and a gun on my hip, just to see what they would say. It's rather inappropriate at a doctor's appointment -maybe they would get the point. There is a camera and signs up about surveillance. There is also a locked door between the lobby and care area.

Interesting story about putting a lock on the lobby door. A patient came for a visit, then left with refusing to pay. Shortly he came back and asked to use the bathroom. He was told it was for customers only, so he just walked back and used it anyway. Then... the lock was installed. I had the police permanently trespass him from the facility.

We have a lock on our waiting room door that locks one side and the other knob (inside) can open the door.

thanks Chris and John,
maybe I will rethink the door - maybe I was misinformed about the fire dept code . I will call and re check
bala

Between our waiting room and back office we have a locked door (locked on waiting room side but can be opened from the back office)

Our office has monthly nurse meetings and usually once a year the local police department sends over a few officers to brainstorm with staff on excellent ways to deal with this very issue. Each medical office and area may have individualized approaches that may not be translated to others, so it maybe worthwhile reaching out to your local or regional experts.

That's a good idea Jimmie to work with the local police. They can also give you a heads up about crime in the area, latest drug trends, and mostly if they found "Dr. Jimmie" on the pill bottles from the abuser under the bridge.

I'm no fire marshal, but I think the key is that you can escape from the inside. We did have a conflict with a security analysis for MU. They said the staff door on the side should be locked during business hours, but there was a question about that violating code as it has a deadbolt.

I think the rule is if you want a lock on the door between the waiting room and the office that it has to be able to be opened from the inside without turning any deadbolts or locks. That's why deadbolts are usually not allowed. They have to be ADA compliant levers. CA is pretty strict and you're not even allowed to have door knobs in commercial buildings anymore. Levers only.

We use these: http://amzn.to/2a7DTkS - Pretty heavy duty and can compare to the strength of Grade 2 deadbolts. Also good for heavy usage.

You can also use these: http://amzn.to/2ak43Ee (keypad lock)