DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
---------------------------------------------------------
Etiquette forum
HTML https://rletiquette.createaforum.com
---------------------------------------------------------
*****************************************************
DIR Return to: Real Life Etiquette
*****************************************************
#Post#: 1351--------------------------------------------------
Need some advice about how best to switch doctors
DIR By: GLaDOS
Date: March 11, 2012, 7:48 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Sort of an etiquette and a practicality issue.
I finally switched to a new doctor last year due to my old one
being too far away. He is not working out for me. We have no
rapport and most importantly, I get the feeling he doesn't trust
me at all. For instance, my main complaint is long term
insomnia (since I was 18). He grilled me about how I could have
graduated high school and college with the insomnia I reported
and has ordered me to see three different specialists (which is
fine, except I can't do it at once due to monetary concerns).
He gave me a full spectrum drug test when I requested a refill
of an insomnia medication (not one of the more addictive ones)
and didn't tell me that's what I was taking. I was clean, but I
didn't appreciate not being told what test I was taking. Mostly,
we just do not mesh.
I'm considering switching again after my follow up next month,
but due to the fact that he seems to suspect me of malingering
and until recently considered me a drug risk (not sure he still
doesn't), I worry that switching will be a problem. Would it
be less likely to look suspicious (doctor hopping) if I switch
to the female doctor at the same practice rather than a new
office? I was planning on seeing her for my gyno exam anyways,
and I'm hoping I'll like her. If so, whats the best way to
explain my decision if I'm asked?
#Post#: 1352--------------------------------------------------
Re: Need some advice about how best to switch doctors
DIR By: G-Lady
Date: March 11, 2012, 8:14 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Since you're interested in seeing the other doctor for other
reasons, I think that if asked you could go with "I prefer to
see a female doctor for gyno, and it just made more sense to
combine my gyno care with primary care."
If you don't mesh with her, don't have any qualms about
switching to a different practice. I had a similar problem with
a gyno who was highly recommended to me. He and I did NOT mesh
and I felt he was extremely judgmental. So I started making all
my follow up appointments with a different doctor in that
practice until I moved and they were no longer convenient.
#Post#: 1356--------------------------------------------------
Re: Need some advice about how best to switch doctors
DIR By: GLaDOS
Date: March 11, 2012, 8:24 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
--- Quote from: G-Lady link ---
>
> Since you're interested in seeing the other doctor for other
reasons, I think that if asked you could go with "I prefer to
see a female doctor for gyno, and it just made more sense to
combine my gyno care with primary care."
>
--- End Quote ---
You're good! That's perfect.
#Post#: 1534--------------------------------------------------
Re: Need some advice about how best to switch doctors
DIR By: Mrs.E
Date: March 13, 2012, 11:35 am
---------------------------------------------------------
I think it is a good idea to combine your gyno and primary
doctor. But if you decide not to do that, I wouldn't say
anything to him at all. I would just switch doctors and sign a
release for my medical records. You could even explain why you
felt the need to switch to your new doctor in case he has
written something conspicuous in his notes about your "drug
problem".
#Post#: 1546--------------------------------------------------
Re: Need some advice about how best to switch doctors
DIR By: G-Lady
Date: March 13, 2012, 12:56 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
If you say anything, I would say to your NEW doctor that you
felt that the old doctor wasn't a good match for you. That he
ordered tests without explaining what they were for and had a
very distrustful attitude towards your problem. Then switch
gears and talk about how you're looking forward to working with
the new doctor to treat and control your insomnia. Your old
doctor was uncooperative, and you hope to have a positive and
cooperative relationship with your care providers.
#Post#: 1610--------------------------------------------------
Re: Need some advice about how best to switch doctors
DIR By: Mrs.E
Date: March 13, 2012, 3:37 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
--- Quote from: G-Lady link ---
>
> If you say anything, I would say to your NEW doctor that you
felt that the old doctor wasn't a good match for you. That he
ordered tests without explaining what they were for and had a
very distrustful attitude towards your problem. Then switch
gears and talk about how you're looking forward to working with
the new doctor to treat and control your insomnia. Your old
doctor was uncooperative, and you hope to have a positive and
cooperative relationship with your care providers.
>
--- End Quote ---
Exactly what I was trying to get at. You said it much better
than I could have.
#Post#: 1616--------------------------------------------------
Re: Need some advice about how best to switch doctors
DIR By: Auntie Venom
Date: March 13, 2012, 3:44 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
I hate to tell you this, but no matter how good your story or
how sound your reason it's still going to look like doctor
shopping to those who have decided to see it that way. I think
that the best approach is a direct one. Tell the unvarnished
truth about why you want a different doc and explain that you
need someone you can trust who doesn't treat you like a random
crackhead.
*****************************************************
Page 1 of 1