Why am I not able to switch Doctors at the same clinic? (dermatologist, insurance)
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A practitioner of mine is recommending for me to see an Endocrinologist for further analysis on some of my labs and I also have other issues I want to address.
I've gone to this Endocrinology clinic last year with a different Doctor. This time I wanted to try a new Doctor to get a second opinion and I also thought this Doctor may be a better fit for me.
I called the clinic and they told me that I can't switch Doctors, I would have to go back to my original one.
They would be the ones to tell you why you cant switch then anyone on here. Insurance, clinic policy, receptionist having a bad day, any number of things could be why you were told that.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I agree with Hawk, it could be their policy, or just an uncooperative receptionist.
Also, within a clinic there can be doctors who take different insurances or even are working for different providers. For example, my Urologist is with Pacific Medical Centers, but has an office where I see him at Providence/Swedish. Fortunately in my case both companies accept my insurance.
There is a medical concept called the continuity of care. Your clinic's interpretation could be that switching doctors starts the cycle over and you'll have a delayed outcome while consuming more of their resources. But only asking them for their reasons will get you an answer.
I called the clinic and they told me that I can't switch Doctors, I would have to go back to my original one.
I don't understand why I can't switch?
Is there some type of policy about this?
Find another doctor at another clinic, demand seeing a doctor at your clinic for a second opinion or see the original doctor. Those are your only choices and all are within your medical and legal rights.
There is no other answer that any of us can provide
Legally you can opt to choose whomever you want. But if the doctor you want doesn't accept your insurance he/she has the right to not accept you. Don't blame the receptionist, she's only doing the job she's told to do.
There is a medical concept called the continuity of care. Your clinic's interpretation could be that switching doctors starts the cycle over and you'll have a delayed outcome while consuming more of their resources. But only asking them for their reasons will get you an answer.
My dermatologist will just schedule me with whoever has the first opening.
If OP is a woman and the current doctor is male, she can request to see a woman doctor saying she is more comfortable with a woman. That's what my sister ended up doing.
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