For example, if your doctor never sees you on time, making you wait for hours, and also belittles you, you could write down both of those things.

To get this appointment, you might say “I’d like to discuss an issue with you briefly. Can you fit me in some time next week? It should only take 10 to 15 minutes of your time. "

For example, suppose your doctor was discussing your weight with you and said “Do you even exercise?” in a rather short tone. You took this as a sarcastic, condescending remark. However, when you ask your doctor what they meant by that, they might say “I was literally asking if you exercised. If not, I was going to offer you some plans to get you on the right track. " As another example, suppose your doctor touched you in a way that made you feel uncomfortable and that was not part of any examination. You might ask them why they touched you that way, and what they were thinking when they did it.

For example, you might say “When you told me I needed to lose weight, it took me back to those kids who made fun of me in elementary school. I’m trying to lose weight but it’s a real struggle, and it hurt me to be told that in such blunt terms. "

For example, if your doctor offended you when talking about your weight, you might give them words and phrases that are okay to use, and words and phrases that are off-limits or that hurt you. Focus on positive illustrations as ways to improve your relationship with your doctor. If you just give them a list of things they shouldn’t say to you, they may feel limited or not know how to speak frankly with you.

You may want to research the rules that govern doctors’ behavior to see if your doctor has violated one of those rules. If they have, you may be able to report them to the Medical Board so they will be held accountable for their actions. Keep in mind that there aren’t really any rules that require your doctor to be kind and polite. If your complaint is that your doctor is rude, you may be better off simply finding a new doctor.

You can still continue to pursue a complaint, even if you are no longer seeing that doctor. In some cases, it may even cause superiors to take your complaint more seriously.

If your doctor works at a hospital, call the hospital and ask who’s in charge of the department where your doctor works.

You can describe how your doctor’s words or behavior affected you or made you feel, but otherwise, try to stick to the facts. Avoid emotional pleas and loaded language. For example, instead of saying that your doctor was rude, provide specific examples of instances in which your doctor was rude.

You may want to mail your letter using certified or registered mail with return receipt requested, so you know when the supervisor received your letter.

Typically, the manager or department head will tell you that they will talk to the doctor about your complaint. They also may not get in touch with you until after they’ve talked to the doctor. In that situation, they may tell you what your doctor said.

For example, if your doctor works at a hospital, there may be an ethics review board or disciplinary committee that handles grievances for the entire hospital. You can find out by calling the hospital’s customer service or patient services number and asking.

It also isn’t necessary to confront your doctor at this point. You can simply cancel any appointments and find another doctor. You don’t have to communicate with them again at all.

For example, US doctors are regulated at the state level. So if you wanted to report a doctor practicing in Atlanta, Georgia, you would contact the Georgia Composite Medical Board.

Keep in mind that if your complaint doesn’t discuss conduct that fits into one of the areas the Board regulates, the Board cannot respond to your complaint or do anything to help you.

The form asks for your name and contact information. Some Boards may not allow anonymous reports at all. However, even if anonymous reports are allowed, you should consider including your name and contact information in case a Board officer wants to contact you to discuss your complaint. Be detailed and factual in your description of the incidents that form the basis of your complaint. Include the dates and times, as well as any other significant details.

Some Boards may allow you to submit a complaint online. These complaints are “signed” using an electronic signature, in which you simply type your name.

In the event that the doctor is brought before an administrative law judge for disciplinary proceedings, you may be called upon to testify at the hearing. You don’t generally need an attorney for this. Remember – you are not a party to the case and you are not on trial.