Have You Had A Hard Time Changing Doctor's Offices?

ECBG · ‎01-08-2011

The doctor whom has treated me since I was 28 has retired!

He became a "cost wise" doctor and he and his family care partners were approached by the local hospital health care system and included the office under their umbrella totally renovating their office.

During my last appointment, he said because I no longer needed "family" care and with the new system (they weren't rushing to refill his position, he really though I would be better with the top internist group with a certain younger female dr he really liked. He also said that "she wouldn't age out on me" (which would give me better care not jumping around).

I didn't make any calls during the beginning of the virus, and recently called, was told the doctor was taking new patients, then the appointment desk said "no, she is not" taking appointments.

I have called last month. No she isn't.

Today, Yes! She is. I haven't made it through appointments though! We'll see!

Is my experience what most people go through?

Thank you!

ahoymate · ‎05-30-2010

Not my experience in that once I make the appointment it hasn't been cancelled or rescheduled. Some want cash customers vs. insurance.

I've been looking for an internist for 8 years. Have seen about 6 and never went back. The "good"ones, it seems, aren't taking new patients. The ones who are, I don't feel confident in

It's hard to find new MD's. Hard. And I live in a major US city with tons of MD's and lots of hospitals. Keep trying.

jlkz · ‎12-02-2013

About the same age as you when my first adult doctor retired. She recommended two women doctors that she knew and who would be a good match for me.

Well, after I met the first one, that was it. I have been with her since 1980. She never ceases to amaze me with her energy, staying on top or ahead of current issues, her recommendations for specialists, her asking questions that want to understand what is going on in my world.

Interesting note: While I served on the President's Planning Council at my college, my dinner partner one evening was one of the first female plastic surgeons. It turns out that she had taught my doctor who was about to retire !

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
Sir Winston Churchill

RetRN · ‎10-01-2013

Yes, it's a jungle out there.

Katcat1 · ‎07-21-2011

@ECBG How about asking to speak to the Office Mgrle It sounds like you are getting two different answers from receptionists or whoever is answering the phones. I have a female dr. and I have a great relationship with her. She gives me excellent care and she is profesisional yet very personable and friendly.

kindness is strength

Nataliesgramma · ‎03-28-2015

Yes....most were not taking new patients and then some won't accept medicare!

deepwaterdotter · ‎03-09-2010

My favorite Family Doctor retired about 5 years ago. He asked if I would like to be transferred to another doctor in the same practice. I said I would like to be transferred and his nurses took care of the rest. Received a welcome letter from the new doctor stating that he would be available to see me whenever I chose to make my next appointment. The experience was easy and seamless. Wishing you an easy transition.

ALRATIBA · ‎07-15-2016

No - I switched about two years ago. It was really easy - two major hospital networks / groups merged and opened an office right around the corner from me. (I used to have to go across town.)

So - I called and made an appointment - chatted with the doctor and since the merger - she had access to all my prior medical records. The hospital is just a couple of blocks away.

ECBG · ‎01-08-2011

@Katcat1 wrote:
@ECBG How about asking to speak to the Office Mgrle It sounds like you are getting two different answers from receptionists or whoever is answering the phones. I have a female dr. and I have a great relationship with her. She gives me excellent care and she is profesisional yet very personable and friendly.

@Katcat1 Thank you for your kind answer. Apparently, if a non emergency message is left, the call is returned the next morning. We shall see. This is #2. Thank you.