Breaking Up is Hard to Do; Or Not

Question from a reader: What are your feelings about when a patient breaks up with you? I love love love my doc, but… Patients “break up” with me all the time. Well, not “all” the time, but it’s not uncommon. There are many reasons, some of which are under the patient’s control, and some which are not. Moving across the country is a good reason to look for a new doctor. (Seriously. When you move several states away, please find a new doctor. I’ll refill your prescriptions long enough for you to get settled, but I have some people still calling me years later “just to keep you in the loop.” I appreciate the love, but come on already.) Even if you haven’t moved that far, but just far enough that driving to my office is now inconvenient is an understandable reason for a change. It happens. Some people switch because of their insurance. I’ve done my best to participate with most of the major players in my area, but there are some I don’t take. That said, many people have chosen to continue seeing me, paying out of pocket. I offer a nice cash discount (legal with Medicare and virtually all other insurances), so I’m not break-the-bank expensive if you want to go that route. There are people I’ve misdiagnosed who make no secret about why they want someone else. Sometimes there are people who think I’ve misdiagnosed them who write me scathing letters when requesting their records. Only on...
Source: Musings of a Dinosaur - Category: Primary Care Authors: Tags: Medical Source Type: blogs