A physician practicing in private outpatient care in Florida reported an episode of verbal harassment and intimidation by a patient’s family member following an explanation of billing practices.
The physician shared the ordeal in a Facebook physician community anonymously.
Just need to vent. I’m a physician in private practice in Florida, have been in the U.S. for over 10 years, and I’m a citizen. Last week we had one of the worst experiences I’ve ever had with a patient’s family member. He became furious because we charged the appointment fee upfront. The patient has Medicare and hasn’t met her deductible yet, which we explained calmly. Instead of listening, he became aggressive, said I wasn’t a real doctor, accused me of only caring about money, and even told me to go back to my country and that he’d call ICE. It was terrifying and humiliating. The whole office was shaken. Moments like this make me feel unsafe and honestly very discouraged about practicing medicine here.
Members in the community group shared about other aggressive verbal interactions, including one recounting a patient calling him an Asian celebrity name in a derogatory and racist insult during emergency department care.
I had a patient call me Jackie Chan. I told him "Sir if I was Jackie Chan I wouldn't be stuck treating your sorry ass in the hallway of this ER." I had him immediately discharged with a security escort from my ED lol.
Verbal hostility and intimidation toward healthcare workers can take many forms, including insulting professional qualifications, racially or ethnically charged remarks, and threats of reporting or deportation.
Most of the members from the group reacted in the same manner that he should report the patient and hoped that he got him dismissed and escorted out.
Everyone empathised with him and agreed that the country is going through dark times where the hate and intolerance has risen. One person also said that they are sorry that the doctor had to even explain that he is a citizen even in a physicians group.
I am so sorry you had to experience that. I am also sorry that you felt the need to clarify that you’re a citizen, even among a group of physicians. There are countless people here in America via the various legal mechanisms, who are not citizens and undoubtedly makes our country better. We are in some sad, dark times. Hopefully you dismissed the patient. You don’t need to tolerate hate.
Verbal harassment, while not physical violence, is recognized as a component of workplace violence and abuse in healthcare settings and can have serious implications for provider safety and workforce morale.
Healthcare workers face a measurable incidence of workplace violence, including threats, verbal abuse, and physical assault. According to occupational safety guidance, healthcare workers are at relatively high risk of assaults compared with other industries, and many incidents likely go unreported. Workplace violence programs advocate zero-tolerance policies for aggressive behavior to protect staff and patients alike.
At the same time some other members also expressed that Florida is not safe in general and calling ICE is much safer than the patient returning with a firearm.
File a restraining order? At the very least will document his behavior. At this point a threat to call ICE is not much further down than coming back in with a weapon as far as I’m concerned.
Another female Muslim physician also shared similar racist and religious intolerance she faced soon after she had come out of residency since she was wearing a head scarf during her practice.
Well, I had a patient only call me Osama Bin Laden and yell at me in subsequent visits. Mind you, I feel more American than Pakistani but I cover my hair. Another patient asked me why “my people” coordinated 9/11… I think I had no idea what to say… lol. My office manager wanted me to make up to the patient who said she would only see me if I took the ridiculous thing off my head… I was out of residency and dumb me should have filed a harassment claim… anyways thanks for venting hope we can help you. So sorry the guy was a a%# you know who you are and those that love you know… you don’t deserve this and not sure what ice is going to do… so horrible. Sending you hugs…😢 You’re stronger than his words
Healthcare providers are advised to record incidents of harassment or threats factually and contemporaneously, including date, time, individuals involved, exact statements made, and any witnesses. Documentation is essential for internal reporting and any potential legal process.
When a patient or visitor makes threats that suggest potential harm or criminal conduct, providers and staff have the option to contact local law enforcement. Harassment and intimidation may constitute criminal offenses under state statutes relating to threats, harassment, or assault.
Health systems are encouraged to implement workplace violence prevention programs that include training, administrative policies, and physical safety measures (e.g., clear behavioral expectations, staff training, security protocols). OSHA and professional groups recommend establishing a zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence that covers threats and intimidation.
Healthcare providers should follow internal reporting structures, such as notifying leadership or human resources, especially in clinics or hospitals.
In some cases, when a patient or family member’s behavior poses an ongoing risk, providers may have the option to terminate the doctor-patient relationship in line with practice policies and professional guidelines. This must be done in accordance with legal requirements to avoid patient abandonment and ensure continuity of care.
Physicians may pursue criminal charges against an individual making credible threats. Many jurisdictions have laws that increase penalties for assaults or threats against healthcare workers.
Professional associations such as the American Medical Association (AMA) strongly advocate for safer working environments and policies that protect health professionals from threats and intimidation.