I've discussed previously about patients leaving against medical advice (AMA) and the physician responsibility. I even answered the question "Will my insurance pay if I leave the hospital against medical advice?"
To summarize, patients who come into the hospital voluntarily are free to leave voluntarily, assuming they have the capacity to make their own medical decisions. Physicians should discharge patients leaving AMA just like they do all their patients and provide appropriate prescriptions, follow up testing and appointments as necessary.
Physicians should attempt to understand why the patient wishes to leave against medical advice. The reasons can be surprising at times. Quite commonly, patients wish to leave because of their addictions to drugs, prescription or otherwise, tobacco and alcohol.
Every now and then, however, an unusual reason presents itself. I had completely forgotten, but was recently reminded of a patient years ago that wished to leave against medical advice after I informed her that she needed a colonoscopy.
After I left the room, the patient frantically told her nurse that she could not allow me to perform the procedure because I was "way to sexy" to look at her naked. After the nurse informed her that I would not be the physician performing the procedure, she was nonetheless horrified and indicated she had to leave the hospital immediately.
As a sexy doctor in the eyes of this lady, I have to admit, I'd never thought my looks would hinder patient care. However, in light of this experience, I wouldn't be surprised one bit if The Joint Commission banned good looks and prevented doctors and nurses from Bringing Sexy Back to the hospital in the name of patient safety.
