When to Breakup with Your Physician
How to find one that ’ s right for you By KIMBERLY BLAKER
Your physician is one of the most essential people in your life when it comes to your health . Your doctor should be someone with whom you feel comfortable discussing any health-related matter and whose knowledge you trust . You need a doctor who cares about your well-being and is accessible when you need one . Yet , sometimes , we fail to remember that a physician ’ s main job is to service and treat patients to the best of the doctor ’ s ability . If you feel that isn ’ t happening , it ’ s both your right and responsibility to your health to find a better fit . Still , choosing to leave your physician can be a big decision . So consider all of your options before making the big leap .
Reasons you may need to leave your doctor
• YOUR DOCTOR STOPPED TAKING YOUR INSURANCE : Sometimes , physicians make changes to the coverages they accept and discontinue accepting specific insurance plans . Patients may also be affected if the practice cuts down on Medicare or Medicaid patients or if their provider changes practices by either opening a new one or joining another .
• YOUR SITUATION HAS CHANGED : Many life changes may leave you needing to leave your current physician . Maybe your insurance plan has changed because you got married , divorced , or started a new job . Also , if you move , visiting your old doctor ’ s office may be impractical or impossible .
• YOUR PHYSICIAN IS NOT MEETING YOUR NEEDS : There are many reasons why your doctor may not be the best match for you anymore . Perhaps you ’ ve developed a new medical condition that requires a more specialized background . You may also come to realize your doctor ’ s treatment philosophy differs from yours . For example , you may prefer a more holistic approach or want a more definite diagnosis requiring testing your doctor is not willing or able to do .
• IT ’ S CHALLENGING TO GET APPOINTMENTS : If your physician is very busy making it difficult to schedule appointments when you need them , you may want to consider a new provider . Getting care when you need it is often vital .
44 • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020