How to manage a difficult patient and survive a high-conflict encounter

Summary: Not every difficult patient is dangerous, but every high-conflict visit is risky for a doctor. Just being a good doctor won't protect you from lawsuits or a ruined reputation. Often, patients come in asking for things like pain pills or disability notes, but they really want something else, like a fast insurance payout, legal leverage, or just someone to listen to their frustrations. Doctors need to ask direct questions early on to find out what the patient really wants before the visit becomes a trap.

When saying no, doctors should be clear and explain why, instead of giving vague answers. It is also super important to write down all the facts of the visit to protect your career. You can care about a patient and still say no. Good intentions are not enough; structure is what helps you survive.

For more details, see kevinmd at kevinmd.com/2026/03/how-to-manage-a-difficult-patient-and-survive-a-high-conflict-encounter.html (opens in new tab)