Patient Rights: Refusing Medical Tests & Medication - What Are Your Options?

Question
My wife has been receiving treatment for several years for numerous complaints, our Doctor has now said that he will not prescribe anymore medication unless she agrees to a cervical smear. The medication she receives is not related to any gynacalogical problems. Has she the right to refuse this test and can her Doctor with hold her medication?

Answer
Hi David,

This is a medical ethics question based on whether your wife's complaints are thought to be related to a gynecological origin. You must ask the physician as to why it is necessary to have a pap smear. What is his thought process? What diseases or pathology is he trying to rule out? Is the medication give to your wife a "possible" reason for her complaints? Does the medication have adverse effects that may cause more harm to your wife than good?

Your wife may obtain a 2nd opinion from a gynecologist. There are male and female gynecologists. Most of my patients prefer female gynecologists as they are able to be more open and honest with the gynecologist.

The physician may not withhold treatment if the treatment is necessary for her survival. However, this is very controversial and should be left for an ethicist who has a better understanding of your wife's situation. Your best option available is to call an on-call medical ethics committee. If this is a private practice physician, you may call your local medical board or department of health for assistance.

It is definitely recommended that your wife seeks a second opinion from another physician outside of her private physician's network.

John T, MD