How do I move my mom from a rehab to another hospital for a second opinion? I currently have durable power of attorney and am surrogate caregiver.

If you need a second opinion, would it be possible to get one with her as an outpatient without transferring her now? I know that while you are in rehab you don't normally leave the rehab facility, but it might be easier to arrange an appointment than to arrange a transfer. Also, while meds are important, the quality of the rehab service is paramount! Are you convinced the rehab services for TBI are better at Tampa General?

Are there other doctors on staff at this rehab who could give a second opinion? Alternatively, can you get a video or remote/ telemedicine second opinion? or some sort of chart review second opinion? For this, insurance probably wouldnt pay and you would need to pay cash, if it was available...

Gardnerformom: Perhaps you should retain an attorney.

Speak with social services.
You may or may not be able to accomplish this.
Your descriptions of what has or has not been done is quite vague, but then the treatment of TBI is as well.
The last few wars have been teaching medicine a whole lot about TBIs due to the huge rate of concussive injuries to the brain. We are on the cutting edge here. Some hospitals are indeed better at specializing in this, but there is quite often little to be done but good therapy. And in order to participate in that it is a requirement that there be enough youth and stamina to even try.

Each TBI injury is as individual as one's own thumbprint. That makes it problematic in treatment.
Much will depend on your insurance coverage, whether medicare with excellent supplemental or not. Your choice in hospitals and doctors is often limited by coverage. Social workers can hopefully help you understand your options. There may not be many. Meanwhile do research what hospitals in your area are specializing in TBI injuries. There are many fine memoirs out just now, and some have glossaries of institutions specializing, but online info may be your friend. Look up your area with the added words "specialist in TBI injuries".

I don't see where a hospital can keep you from transferring her to another hospital. Call your State Ombudsman. You may want to call Medicare too if Dad has it. Where I live, brain injuries and heart problems do not go to the local small hospital. Those people are taken to a larger one that specializes in these 2 things.

Call the Tampa hospital to make sure they can take him.

The American Hospital Association's Patient Bill of Rights states that a patient has the right to decide what treatment they will/won't accept. That includes choosing a provider and the option of transferring to another hospital. BUT, that being said, this is a guideline that hospitals may treat more as a recommendation, there don't seem to be any consequences to the hospital for not upholding these Rights.

Were you given a reason why the transfer couldn't take place? Have you taken your concerns/complaints to Patient Advocacy Services (941-917-1311 / patientadvocate@smh.com)?

If you find no relief from there, transfers from one medical facility to another always start with the social worker in the facility where you wish care to be provided. You would also have to talk with the social worker in the current facility.

I hope your LO and you get what you need.


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6. The patient has the right to make decisions about the plan of care prior to and during the course of treatment and to refuse a recommended treatment or plan of care to the extent permitted by law and hospital policy and to be informed of the medical consequences of this action. In case of such refusal, the patient is entitled to other appropriate care and services that the hospital provides or transfer to another hospital. The hospital should notify patients of any policy that might affect patient choices within the institution.
SOURCE: American Patient Rights Association (www.apra.org)

The American Hospital Association's Patient Bill of Rights states that a patient has the right to decide what treatment they will/won't accept. That includes choosing a provider and the option of transferring to another hospital. BUT, that being said, this is a guideline that hospitals may treat more as a recommendation, there don't seem to be any consequences to the hospital for not upholding these Rights.

Were you given a reason why the transfer couldn't take place? Have you taken your concerns/complaints to Patient Advocacy Services (941-917-1311 / patientadvocate@smh.com)?

If you find no relief from there, transfers from one medical facility to another always start with the social worker in the facility where you wish care to be provided. You would also have to talk with the social worker in the current facility.

I hope your LO and you get what you need.


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6. The patient has the right to make decisions about the plan of care prior to and during the course of treatment and to refuse a recommended treatment or plan of care to the extent permitted by law and hospital policy and to be informed of the medical consequences of this action. In case of such refusal, the patient is entitled to other appropriate care and services that the hospital provides or transfer to another hospital. The hospital should notify patients of any policy that might affect patient choices within the institution.

Why can't you get her a second opinion from another doctor while she is in Sarasota? Don't see the need to move her.

There is another doctor who services Sarasota Memorial.