Can I Fire My Doctor? How Do I Change Doctors?

Yes, you can fire your doctor. You are a health care consumer, and you can change doctors (if your health insurance allows for this.) It’s your money, so get the best for your expense. Keep in mind that doctors are human, and like all of us, none are perfect. If the services you’ve been receiving are not satisfactory, you can get a second or third opinion from other health care professionals.

If you do get a second opinion, be sure to take copies of your recent health records along with you, and a written summary of the condition and treatments that you are concerned about. For example: if the condition is cancer, state what kind of cancer, date of diagnosis, treatments used, dates and types of surgeries, and lab test results. Tell the consulting doctor about your experience with your current doctor and the reasons you want a second opinion, and if you want to change doctors. Ask if they are accepting new patients, as some practices may be booked up.

Make note of the consulting doctor’s opinion, and the reasons for changing a treatment or reconsidering a diagnosis. Ask if any new tests should be done to get a clearer picture of the condition being treated. Contact your health insurance company to be sure that the doctor you want to switch to will be covered.

Keep your options open and don’t burn bridges. It is not a good use of your energy, time and money to make an appointment so you can go in and fire your current doctor in person. Just write a letter, diplomatically phrased, saying that you are changing from their practice to another doctor or clinic, and note the effective change date.

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