I agree that most thermometers require at least a minute to be
accurate: the vital signs are usually taken by a medical assistant with
various degrees of ability. However, unless a fever was crucial to the
evaluation, I'd just agree that the vital signs were taken in a sloppy
manner, but malpractice has to involve harm done to the patient.
 I think the encounter bothered you tremendously---but personally, I
would have stayed and discussed it with the MD. You have no idea how
often specialists don't even bother to take vital signs: blood
pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, weight, height.
It's more common that they don't.
 In my current office they use disposable thermometer strips that are
just useless.
 The bottom line is that you were there to see an MD, and because of a
poorly performed oral temperature, that was just done to document no
fever, you didn't get the care you need.
 The goal is for you to get evaluated and cared for, and I'd just
recognize that in any medical encounter you are treated by support
staff who may not be as skilled as you like--but their inability to
take an accurate temperature is not crucial to evaluating your sinus
disease. It's annoying, but the way to address it is with the MD or
nurse manager.
 Judy

the medical profession reflects the society it practises in--with attitudes
like im looking to to find errors only makes things worse--what has now
happened is that every encounter with patients is now a legal
encounter--extremely difficult to practicee when battles lines are are drawn
before there is an issue
the medical system like all human systems is very dangerous-- i suggest
doing lots of homework about your condition before entering the system--if
you are looking for a homeopathic,chiropractic, acupuncture, etc, etc
purssue them and not  us

there is a very real danger having hidden agendas and seeking treatment.

hth
peter