My grandmother (94y/o) is in a nursing home. Whenever the family (Mom
has Power of Attorney for Health Care) requests a second opinion, a
visit to a specialist, a test, a change of medication based on
doctor's orders from a recent hospital visit, the Medical Director of
the facility often refuses the test/visit or changes to  the
medication. My grandmother has Medicare/Medical. The family is furious
about the Medical Director'unilateral decisions. We feel that we
should: a)be able to demand a second opinion, 2)be able to take her
out to an appointment or have another physician come in, and 3)have a
clear rationale given to us as to why she refuses to order tests---11
years ago my grandmother had surgery for colon cancer; for the past
several months she has had pain in the rectum. We want her to be
tested. The Medical Director says "Well, she's old. When an old person
is in bed alot they get sore" (her current treatment is a topical
salve and Tylenol when the pain is bad). My family would not elect
surgery for our 94 y/o Grandma, but it would be a relief to my Mom to
know what's going on and a relief to my Grandmother to be properly
(not palliatively) medicated. The owner of this otherwise well-run
facility obviously has liability coverage for his Medical Director. He
listens empathically, but will not cross her. I think there has to be
some legal recourse--it can't be possible that this Medical Director's
authority is that infallible. Please help!! Thank you. Maureen King,
Ph.D.