COMPLAINT PROCESS

The Medical Society's Mediation Committee is a peer review committee of physicians of various specialties that reviews complaints. While this particular committee assists complainants (including both patients and physicians) in mediating disputes, the Medical Association has no authority to require a physician to follow its recommendations or to take action against a physician's license.

The Medical Board of California is the only authority in the state that may take disciplinary action against the license of the physician(s) to whom your complaint relates. The toll-free number of the Medical Board is 1-800-633-2322, and the Medical Board is located at 1426 Howe Ave., Ste. 54, Sacramento, CA 95825-3236.

Before the Medical Association accepts an official complaint, the *Consent and Authorization form must be completed and signed by the complainant and/or the patient, by a parent when the patient is a minor, by the conservator or power of attorney of the patient, if applicable, and by the executor/trix, if the patient is deceased. As a complainant, you are responsible to provide any and all bills, letters, documents, etc. that pertain to your complaint.

As quickly as a complaint is received and lodged, the physician is asked to provide a written response to the Professional Conduct Committee. When all information concerning the problem is received from both parties, the complaint goes before the next meeting of the committee for review. When the committee has concluded its deliberations, both parties are notified of the decision in writing.

The employees of the Medical Association are not medically trained; so, they are not qualified to discuss the aspects of any medical problem. Staff is assigned to process the paperwork on your complaint as quickly as possible and in a confidential manner. The complete process of evaluating your case may take from 90 to 180 days to complete.

Most disputes are the result of poor communications between individuals. Have you tried to discuss the problem with the physician? If not, we urge you to do so before filing a formal complaint. If you have and find there is still a problem, please send your complaint to: Ventura County Medical Association 601 E. Daily Dr., #129 Camarillo, CA 93010

*click here to print out a pdf Consent and Authorization Form