What to do if a doctor failed to check daily glucose levels for an insulin dependent diabetic in a nursing home?

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What to do if a doctor failed to check daily glucose levels for an insulin dependent diabetic in a nursing home?

Resident in a nursing home insulin dependent diabetic. Doctor did not check daily blood glucose for 8 months; resident was just given their existing insulin dose every night for 8 months. Now his sugar is very high and he is on 3 different types of insulin. Was also told by doctor that there is a different protocol for people in nursing homes with diabetes; they don’t want to cause pain by checking blood glucose. Is this against the law? Should I speak with a medical malpractice attorney? In Knox County, TN.

Asked on January 7, 2011 under Malpractice Law, Tennessee

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 13 years ago | Contributor

Yes, you should definitely speak with a medical malpractice attorney in your area on the matter.  Consultations are generally free so you have nothing to lose and only something to gain.  Be aware that many jurisdictions have very strict laws on bringing a medical malpractice cases.  They can generally be some of the most difficult to prove and prosecute.  But the information in your question raises a red flag.  Medical protocol should not really change because the person is a resident of a nursing home. Medical protocol is medical protocol. For a physician to tell you what he did, well, it is unbelievable.  And the injury to the resident is obvious.  Get help.  Good luck.


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