topic Re: "Breaking up with your Doctor" in Wellness

"Breaking up with your Doctor"

I am still oxox — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:14:44 GMT

If you find it necessary to change doctors do you feel that you have to explain to the doctor why you have left.

I have found a new Immunologist who is very well vered in my issues, he made me feel comfortable and he shared with me his private cell if I need to contact him

I am leaving a doctor who I was with for two years, she claimed she never saw my messages (weather they are are important or not) and her assistant says that they never listen to voice mail messages

Add to this she sent my for a "second opinion" to a doctor that knew nothing about the treatment I am on and retook blood work that was taken a week before,

My doctor neither shared info with me or the referral, as to why I was there, I was under the impression that the referal knew why I was there

Finally I suspect she sent me to the second doctor for something that was addressed when I first started seeing her.

I have a video appointment on Monday and I will lay all of this out for her, not that is is really necessary.

Re: "Breaking up with your Doctor"

haddon9 — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:23:33 GMT

I was with a PCP for over 25 years and the last several years I just didn't like the way he did things or made me feel. after searching for a long time I found someone new who is great, easy to talk to and has even given me his cell number if I need to speak with him personally.

I never looked back nor did I give my old doctor a reason why. I would say no ....why do you have to explain unless you feel it's important for you to let them know why.

Re: "Breaking up with your Doctor"

Mj12 — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:23:39 GMT

I switched doctors once; I did not feel the need to take any of my time to let him know why I didn't like him. Why do that to ourselves? It's over, I would just move on and look forward to better care from your new doctor. Good luck.

Re: "Breaking up with your Doctor"

bonappetit — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:25:15 GMT

I wouldn't "lay" anything out. I would not keep a video appt., I would call and cancel. No need to waste your energy telling the MD why you are leaving. No need. Save it.

Re: "Breaking up with your Doctor"

RedTop — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:28:52 GMT

Based on your circumstances my answer would be no.

However, when I parted ways with my provider of 10+ years, he received a very detailed letter regarding his practices; a copy of which was also forwarded to the state medical board.

Re: "Breaking up with your Doctor"

millieshops — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:33:32 GMT

I left a doctor my Internist referred me to. I did not speak with the doctor I left; I had only 2 appointments with her so I was essentially a new patient. She was fine - her staff was incompetent to the extent of rudeness.

I did speak with my Internist who had recommended her because I wanted another recommnedation. It was obvious to me he knew about the issues in that office and he didn't make the slightest attempt to suggest I try her again.

I've used several of my doctors for decades, and I definitely will let them know when/ if I leave their care.

Re: "Breaking up with your Doctor"

I am still oxox — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:38:36 GMT

@haddon9

Closure and I need to say me peace, I would normally do this in a message on the portal but those seem to go unread for days if ever

@haddon9 wrote:
I was with a PCP for over 25 years and the last several years I just didn't like the way he did things or made me feel. after searching for a long time I found someone new who is great, easy to talk to and has even given me his cell number if I need to speak with him personally.

I never looked back nor did I give my old doctor a reason why. I would say no ....why do you have to explain unless you feel it's important for you to let them know why.

Re: "Breaking up with your Doctor"

KBEANS — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:38:53 GMT

My doctor of 20 years informed me that he was no longer accepting my insurance, and that "we could work out an arrangement " At that point, I knew that meant that I would be now paying out of pocket. I couldn't afford that. I never went back. Enough said by the both of us.

Re: "Breaking up with your Doctor"

FrostyBabe1 — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:48:22 GMT

Patients come and go from medical practices all the time.

I've done it. Just left and had my records forwarded. They never asked why and I never said anything. To be honest, they don't really care. I wouldn't waste my time, effort or emotions on a "break-up" chat.

Re: "Breaking up with your Doctor"

bonappetit — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:49:41 GMT

@FrostyBabe1 wrote:
Patients come and go from medical practices all the time.

I've done it. Just left and had my records forwarded. They never asked why and I never said anything. To be honest, they don't really care. I wouldn't waste my time, effort or emotions on a "break-up" chat.

So true, they really don't care. Move on.

Re: "Breaking up with your Doctor"

MW in Iowa — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:50:47 GMT

From my limited experiance , i doubt they would even notice or care. I did recently try to switch to another doctor in the same clinic and i was told he doesn't take internals . I don't know if this particular doctor just doesn't want internal conflict with other doctors or what.

Re: "Breaking up with your Doctor"

jackthebear — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:52:44 GMT

Absolutely no reason to do so

dont bother

Re: "Breaking up with your Doctor"

Dinaki — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:53:23 GMT

I had to once change my surgeon the year of1977, I can explain the reason here but surely, that lovely lady I know here, will again go ahead and report my post and have it removed. So I am not saying as it will be deleted by that "dishonest" woman!

Re: "Breaking up with your Doctor"

Deree — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 19:09:45 GMT

You just laid it all out for us so I wouldn't waste my time laying it out for your doctor. If she didn't care about you do you really think she'll care what you have to say? Or are you looking for satisfaction (which you won't get)?

I had what I thought was a great doc for about 5 years. One day I came in explaining some really odd symptoms. I am very in tune with my body and know a bit more medically than the average person. After listening to me, without so much as examining me, this doc leaned forward, clasped his hands on his knees and tried to tell me perhaps I should see a psychologist. I literally had to bite my lip, forced a smile, said thank you, walked out, and wrote him off. P.S. I set up an immediate appointment with a cardiologist and turns out I had pericarditis.

No I wouldn't bother. Put it out of your mind and move on.

Re: "Breaking up with your Doctor"

ThinkingOutLoud — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:55:47 GMT

No, I wouldn't bother. Trying to get closure doesn't always work the way we think it will.

Re: "Breaking up with your Doctor"

qualitygal — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:58:30 GMT

Don't explain to them. You don't want to burn any bridges behind you.

They would just wave goodbye anyway. Save your breath and time.

Re: "Breaking up with your Doctor"

Nuttmeg — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 18:58:44 GMT

@I am still oxox

I would say nothing. I had rwo doctors leave practices where I receive care. In one case I got a letter in the mail. The second situation a staff member told me when I made an appointment.

Please remember medicine is a business.

Re: "Breaking up with your Doctor"

Sooner — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 19:00:18 GMT

I don't "break up" with people I pay. I simply choose another provider, as is my prerogative.

Re: "Breaking up with your Doctor"

Love my grandkids — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 19:07:20 GMT

@I am still oxox I've followed what you've been going through and I say you don't owe that so-called "doctor" (snark is intentional) a darn thing.

IMO you are not getting good care. Dump this doc and don't look back.

I doubt if the old doc will care. I would no way keep any appointments with her.

I'm glad you found a GOOD doctor who knows what to do!! Wish you well.

Re: "Breaking up with your Doctor"

hckynut — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 19:06:22 GMT

@I am still oxox

Which doctor, the one you are leaving or the new one you are seeing? Me personally? I have had almost all my doctors for a long time and the only ones I no longer see are the ones that moved to another practice, or retired.

And 2 of my doctors are good friends of mine that I met before becoming their patient. A 3rd is my nephew-in-law that had me admitted to the hospital with my Cellulitis. My regular GP was not available.

Were I unhappy with a doctor I was leaving? Like everything else I do, I would tell them exactly my reason(s) for going elsewhere. There just be some things about that practice that might be unknown to this doctor. They work as a team and it's possible 1 member is not in sink with the team.

hckynut