How do I file a complaint against a medical facility/provider?

You can start by contacting the facility’s ombudsman/patient advocate office to inform them of the situation. Thereafter, if you feel your concerns have not been addressed, there are a few options to consider: 

• If you wish to file a complaint about an inpatient psychiatric hospital or outpatient psychiatric service facility, contact the Department of Mental Health in the state where that facility is located for information about the grievance process.  
• If you would like to file a complaint against a medical facility, you may wish to file a complaint with The Joint Commission, a nonprofit that accredits more than 21,000 U.S. health care organizations and programs. 

If you are covered by Medicare, you can file a complaint about your experience with your state's Quality Improvement Organization (QIO). These groups act on behalf of Medicare to address complaints about care provided to those covered by Medicare. 

Other resources include:  

• Medicare Rights Center provides a national HelpLine and resources page for individuals with Medicare, their family members, and friends, including information about Medicare benefits, finding the right coverage, and how any existing coverage works. You can reach the Medicare Rights Center at (800) 333-4114.  
• The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care is a nonprofit that represents consumers in issues related to long-term care. The organization serves as a primary source of information and tools for consumers, families, caregivers, advocates and ombudsmen to help ensure quality care for the individual. They maintain a Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP) webpage which can be found here, with information about how to find a facility and what to do to get quality care.  

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