Doctor/GP dropped me without warning?

[Midpack]

Midpack - Is there a severe doctor shortage in Chi-town these days?

Couldn't say, I'm in a distant suburb. There are newer doctors taking new patients, but we were/are happy with the GP we had/have, DW has seen him more regularly, so why change?

 

[Midpack]

I didn't think you were angry but it did seem quite stressful.

Thanks, no stress here at all...it takes an awful lot in my case. And I was convinced I could talk them into reconsidering if necessary, with no confrontation whatsover, I went in person to ensure same.

 

[Lsbcal]

Thanks, no stress here at all...it takes a lot in my case. And I was convinced I could talk them into reconsidering if necessary, with no confrontation whatsover, I went in person to ensure same.

I'm glad it worked out for you.

But I'm really upset that you didn't get to make a formal plea at the alter of the god Doc with the angle nurses looking on --- just kidding.

 

[Katsmeow]

I guess the thing I wonder hearing this is what is the consequence of being dropped. That is, I could see an office deciding that someone who hasn't been there for 6 years isn't a patient any more. However, let's say that person calls the next week and wants to make an appointment. Why wouldn't they just take you at that point? That is, take you as a "new" patient. Or, is it that the doctor isn't taking any new patients?

I did several years ago call a doctor that I hadn't seen in a few years and they had put my records into off site storage so from their standpoint I would guess they didn't consider me an active patient. But, they easily took me back and got my records back so it was no big deal.

 

[Midpack]

I guess the thing I wonder hearing this is what is the consequence of being dropped. That is, I could see an office deciding that someone who hasn't been there for 6 years isn't a patient any more. However, let's say that person calls the next week and wants to make an appointment. Why wouldn't they just take you at that point? That is, take you as a "new" patient. Or, is it that the doctor isn't taking any new patients?

I did several years ago call a doctor that I hadn't seen in a few years and they had put my records into off site storage so from their standpoint I would guess they didn't consider me an active patient. But, they easily took me back and got my records back so it was no big deal.

You got it...he's a very good doctor, and a nice guy.

 

[powerplay]

It sounds like everything is working out the way you hoped. Well done.

 

[obgyn65]

I am happy for you it's worked out ok, Midpack.

 

[Tyro]

*** UPDATE ***


Summary:

• I went to make an appt for a physical today, prepared to make my case for why I should be reinstated, despite a 6 year absence.
• The office admin was sympathetic, the nurse was not .
• They went back and asked the doctor, and he agreed to give me a second chance. I never had/got to make my case aside from one point.**
• I think I deserved a second chance but I am biased, and I am grateful they took me back.

That's pretty much how I figured it would go, right down to the nurse's little power trip hissy fit. You're back, and since the doctor wasn't/isn't concerned enough to make anything bout it, I wouldn't either -- I'd drop any compunction to make any cases/excuse to the doctor. Let it go and forget about it.

Once a year should be enough to keep you current, whether a checkup or flu shot, and there's nothing wrong with sending reminders via spouse -- our PCP does it all the time.

Tyro

 

[REWahoo]

Comments on this thread reminded me that over the years DW and I have changed doctors on two occasions, not because of the care they gave us but because of the lack of care of the office staff.

We left an optometrist we both really liked because the office was managed by a graduate of the Adolph Hitler School of Compassionate Care. DW's giving up on her primary doc and finding another because the office staff is marginal on a good day and Keystone Cop incompetent on a bad one.

 

[LakeTravis]

Comments on this thread reminded me that over the years DW and I have changed doctors on two occasions, not because of the care they gave us but because of the lack of care of the office staff.

We left an optometrist we both really liked because the office was managed by a graduate of the Adolph Hitler School of Compassionate Care. DW's giving up on her primary doc and finding another because the office staff is marginal on a good day and Keystone Cop incompetent on a bad one.

That's exactly what I see with hundreds of offices. Poor hiring choices, and the docs place WAY too much importance on tenure. "But Susie's been with me for 15 years........". Yeah, and she's been holding your practice hostage and running off patients for 10 of them.......

 

[Tyro]

Comments on this thread reminded me that over the years DW and I have changed doctors on two occasions, not because of the care they gave us but because of the lack of care of the office staff.

I think these are the cases where the doctor should be made aware of the situation/reason, the problem being how to bypass "Nurse Ratched" so that he gets the info.

We've experienced a couple of these cases. In the first, the doctor had an independent office, but seemed to allow the office mgr. to run the practice (beyond running the office). In the second, the office was part of a large medical center, and doctor and staff were all employees of that large corp., so things were less under doctor's direct control. Fortunately, in this case, Nurse Ratched was so miserable that she moved on, and her replacement has been much better.

Also avoided one specialist because his PA, who ran the initial consultation, was a total control freak with an out of control ego. Never saw or talked to the doctor, and never went back.

 

[Animorph]

On the other hand, back in my 20's I had a doctor with a stunningly beautiful young blonde at the front desk. I tried to see that doctor as often as possible.