Advice on Changing Doctor

Hi P.,

I know MDACC really well. If you are uncomfortable with your MD, talk to your patient advocate. They are there to help you and find a solution for your problem. If you don't know who that is, ask for the Center Director and they can direct you in the right direction. Just because you switch MDs, doesn't mean your care is compromised. Each physician has their own assigned staff, so switching MDs probably means his PA, RN, and scheduler will be different. The only one that may remain the same is the receptionist. By all means, say something. We are here to help you.

I would absolutely change doctors. During one of my pregnancies I was with this one doctor that was absolutely awful to me. However, by the time I realized how much I did not want to see this person I was about 5 months along and with insurance and everything it seemed like to much trouble to change. I can't go back and of course that bad experience had a definite ending point, but if I had to do it over again, I would have gotten out, no question. Especially if you're not comfortable with this doctor you may hesitate to discuss certain things with him and then your care is compromised. Even though you would be dealing with the same office staff you would at least have a doctor that you liked. Also, don't hesitate to mention to the doctor if anyone on his staff is rude. The doctor after all is the boss and should handle that. Good luck

Find out what your options are for changing, and change! You need to be comfortable AND confidant in your care. I would be stressed in your situation, and who needs additional stress in their lives? Control what you can, and if you have halfway decent medical coverage, you can control which Dr. you see. Keep staying on top of your appointments and your medical records...Dr.'s are only human, too!

I don't know what to tell you. I have only wanted to switch doctors once- but I didn't. With hindsight I wish I had trusted my instincts and switched.

If you stay in the same practice it sounds like you will have some of the same problems (unorganized office, long waits, rude PA).

Could you talk to your GP or internist about getting a referral to another doc in the medical center? You could mention that you aren't 100% happy with the practice you have been going to but you don't have to go into any detail.

In the meantime tell the "huggy" doc you aren't a huggy person, and you appreciate the sentiment- but please don't hug me!

Dear P.
So sorry you had to endure cancer - but since you have had to fight for your life, I wouldn't if I were you - put up with physician now that you are not comfortable with.
You need to feel at ease and confident about your doctor as you have enough to contend with.
Change doctors and don't feel bad about it. Each to his own. Your new doctor will simply have your file transferred to his office for you, so you won't have to do this.

CHANGE CHANGE CHANGE!!!

Is this your general doctor/internist, or a specialist? If it is a specialist, I agree with the sentiment of asking for an alternate referral from your GP.

Or, if it is your GP or you don't feel comfortable asking, you could call your insurance (or use their referral webpage if they have one). Specify that you want someone with privileges at MD Anderson. Find a different office.

Houston is one of the cancer treatment capitals of the world and there are tons of great doctors here. No need to compromise your standards for your care (as you might have to in other cities). Don't "just suck it up" as you said. This is a big stream and you want a horse you feel safe with!