Medical complaint · Italy

Direct answer

Start with the complaints officer of the hospital or practice — every provider must have one, and most issues are resolved there with an explanation or apology. If not, Tribunale per i diritti del malato (Cittadinanzattiva) (cittadinanzattiva.it) is the independent body for patient complaints in Italy: free, and it can investigate. Concerns about a doctor's fitness to practise go to Ordine dei Medici (OMCeO provinciale) (portale.fnomceo.it). For compensation after a treatment error, Assicurazione della struttura / mediazione obbligatoria or a lawyer — and ask for your full medical file first, which you are entitled to.

Call firstTribunale per i diritti del malato (Cittadinanzattiva)

Report toOrdine dei Medici (OMCeO provinciale)

If that failsAssicurazione della struttura / mediazione obbligatoria

🗣️ What to say

"On [date] I was treated at [provider] by [name]. I want to make a formal complaint about [what happened]. I request a written response, and a copy of my complete medical file."

🪜 Step by step

Ask for your fileYou have the right to a copy of your records. Get it before anything else; it is the evidence.
Complaints officer firstIn writing, with dates and names. A response within a set time is mandatory.
Not resolved: Tribunale per i diritti del malato (Cittadinanzattiva)The patient ombudsman or complaints commission investigates independently and free of charge.
Professional conduct: Ordine dei Medici (OMCeO provinciale)The medical council or disciplinary board deals with the doctor's conduct, not with your compensation.
Compensation: Assicurazione della struttura / mediazione obbligatoriaLiability claims run through the provider's insurer or a compensation scheme; deadlines apply from the moment you knew of the harm.

📇 All contacts

Tribunale per i diritti del malato (Cittadinanzattiva)Free, independent support for patientsWhen the provider's public relations office does not respond🔗 www.cittadinanzattiva.it/tdm

Ordine dei Medici (OMCeO provinciale)Disciplinary complaint, doctor's conductFor conduct against the professional code🔗 portale.fnomceo.it

Assicurazione della struttura / mediazione obbligatoriaCompensation, through a lawyer and mediationWith the complete medical record in hand🔗 mediazione.giustizia.it

❓ Frequently asked

Can I switch doctor during the complaint?

Yes, at any time. The complaint does not affect your right to care.

Is there a deadline?

Complaints: usually none, but sooner is stronger. Compensation claims: often 3–5 years from discovery. Ask Tribunale per i diritti del malato (Cittadinanzattiva).

They say the file is "internal"

It is not. Your medical records are yours to read and copy; refusal is itself a complaint for Tribunale per i diritti del malato (Cittadinanzattiva).

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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