Medical complaint — Défenseur des droits · France

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, Défenseur des droits — pôle santé (09 69 39 00 00) is the independent body for patient complaints in France: free, and it can investigate. Concerns about a doctor's fitness to practise go to Conseil départemental de l'Ordre des médecins (conseil-national.medecin.fr). For compensation after a treatment error, CCI — Commission de conciliation et d'indemnisation (ONIAM) or a lawyer — and ask for your full medical file first, which you are entitled to.

Call firstDéfenseur des droits — pôle santé

Report toConseil départemental de l'Ordre des médecins

If that failsCCI — Commission de conciliation et d'indemnisation (ONIAM)

🗣️ 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: Défenseur des droits — pôle santéThe patient ombudsman or complaints commission investigates independently and free of charge.
Professional conduct: Conseil départemental de l'Ordre des médecinsThe medical council or disciplinary board deals with the doctor's conduct, not with your compensation.
Compensation: CCI — Commission de conciliation et d'indemnisation (ONIAM)Liability claims run through the provider's insurer or a compensation scheme; deadlines apply from the moment you knew of the harm.

📇 All contacts

Défenseur des droits — pôle santéIndependent complaint after the hospital users' committeeWhen the provider does not respond📞 09 69 39 00 00 🔗 www.defenseurdesdroits.fr

Conseil départemental de l'Ordre des médecinsDisciplinary complaint, conciliationConduct against professional ethics🔗 www.conseil-national.medecin.fr

CCI — Commission de conciliation et d'indemnisation (ONIAM)Compensation for medical accidents, freeSerious harm, within 10 years🔗 www.oniam.fr

❓ 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 Défenseur des droits — pôle santé.

They say the file is "internal"

It is not. Your medical records are yours to read and copy; refusal is itself a complaint for Défenseur des droits — pôle santé.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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“complaint about doctor France”
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