Concerns about a licensed health professional
Rhode Island’s health department accepts complaints about the health professionals it licenses.
The department says it does not investigate billing disputes, fees, or poor customer service.
- Write what happened in the order it happened.
- Keep the name of the person treating you and any written care plan.
- Read the complaint page before sending personal details.
Read the complaint terms before filing
The health department says a submitted complaint cannot be taken back.
It also says the named health professional receives a copy unless the person making the complaint asks to stay anonymous.
- Ask the department about anything unclear in the process.
- Keep a copy of what you submit.
- Use your own words and separate the facts from your questions.
Money or services you did not receive
The Rhode Island Attorney General’s consumer office accepts complaints about services paid for but not delivered.
- Keep the offer, payment record, and cancellation terms.
- Write down the response to your request for an explanation.
- Ask your insurer about a disputed insurance charge.
A concern about the medicine itself
In the United States, medicines come under review by the Food and Drug Administration, also called FDA.
MedWatch is FDA’s service where patients can report a problem involving medicine.
A report to FDA alone cannot establish that the medicine was responsible for the event.
- Keep the product name and packaging information.
- Describe the problem in plain words.
- Raise a current health concern with the person caring for you.