Do you ever go to the doctor and get the feeling that your doctor isn’t paying attention to you? You are getting some nods of the head or one word answers as your doctor seems busy behind his iPad, smartphone, laptop or other device? Are these technological devices providing a benefit to you as the patient. or do they distract your doctor from doing his job in much the same way as they distract a driver from driving safely? The answer isn’t so simple, but one thing is straightforward. If you’ve been hurt by the negligence of a doctor, then it is time to contact an Atlanta malpractice attorney.
Pros and Cons When Doctors Use Smartphones and Tablets
Doctors are often quick to point out the benefits of handheld, portable technology. They are quickly able to access a complete patient’s record or to look up drug information or clinical trial studies, for example. These can be important benefits that were not immediately available years ago.
However, technological devices are not risk free. Some examples of distracted doctoring recently cited in a New York Times article included a nurse checking airfares during surgery and technicians texting during procedures. However, there are also less obvious risks. Perhaps a doctor is taking too much time looking something up on his device instead of really listening to a patient’s symptoms or doing a complete physical examination of the patient in front of him, for example.
When to Contact an Atlanta Malpractice Attorney
Doctors have a duty of care to their patients. If you believe that you were the victim of a misdiagnosis, wrong treatment or other medical mistake because your doctor was distracted, then it is time to contact an experienced Atlanta medical malpractice attorney for help.
You can learn more about the standard of care owed to you, why you may have been the victim of medical malpractice, and what you should do next in our FREE book: Why Did This Critical Medical Error Happen to Me?
Additionally, we invite you to contact our Atlanta malpractice lawyers directly at 1.770.518.1133 for a free consultation.