Breaking up with your pediatrician
Breaking up is hard to do, especially when you're considering parting ways with your pediatrician.
I asked Owings Mills pediatrician Dr. Daniel Levy, who's answered a number of our Consults, to give us some things to think about when the relationship isn't working. Here's his post:
"Most parents go to some trouble finding the "right doctor," for their child, but as hard as they try, sometimes things just don't work out.
There are lots of reasons why families switch the care of their kids to new pediatric practices in a community, but courtesy and humanity in going through the process will help tremendously. Regardless of your reason for leaving, remember that all pediatricians are hard-working, have given your family much of their care and expertise for free, and are usually compensated well below what they charge. More importantly, doctors for kids are always about what they think is best.
When you're weighing leaving a practice, here a few things to consider:
--Why are you leaving? Is it a personal disappointment, or was there a medical error? Was it your doctor's lack of caring or inattention to detail, or are you feeling guilty that you didn't follow through on good advice? Make sure you're clear, sleep on it, run it by trusted advisors, then act. Never make a hasty judgment.
--Let your doctor know why you're leaving. She/he can't profit from the experience without your communication.
--Be clear about what you want in a pediatric office, and make sure your needs are realistic.
--If your pediatrician has been conscientious, affable, knowledgeable and available, maybe she/he deserves a second chance. Talk it out with her, and let her know your concerns. Some of the best professional relationships are cemented that way. We're all busy, but the best of us are never too busy to listen. Your pediatrician is ready to help 24/7, and deserves your honesty and best intentions."
Comments
and are usually compensated well below what they charge
What does that mean?
I think he's talking about insurance compensation being lower than the pediatrician's rate.
Posted by: Bucky | March 2, 2009 10:10 AM
Ah...but that's a deal he (or she) makes. The doc gives a discount, the insurance company delivers patients by adding him (or her) to its network.
It's like a hotel that gives an AAA discount.
Not sure why he's complaining about that.
Posted by: Bucky | March 2, 2009 11:00 AM
I'm with Bucky. I'm fairly certain that my pediatrician is doing just fine, money wise.
We did "break up" with our pediatrician, but it wasn't because she wasn't competent. Rather, it was an issue with the way the office charged (gouged, in my opinion) for their services. Long story, but completely outrageous. When the medical director of the practice called me to discuss the issue with me, he was completely unwilling to work with me, was rude and patronizing, and blamed the problem on our insurance. "Why did you choose that insurance, then?" Those were his words. So we left the practice. It goes both ways. I don't have a medical degree, but I'm not an idiot either. Doctors should remember to treat their patients and patient's parents with respect as well.
Posted by: Kayris | March 2, 2009 11:51 AM
I actually found a new pediatrician I like within the same practice. Unfortunately, I never actually "broke up" with my old one, I kind of just switched my son's doctor. I now feel guilty whenever I see the other at the practice. I really like my new doc as he speaks to me as someone who can understand what is happening with my child.
Posted by: LEA | March 2, 2009 12:21 PM
We broke up with a pediatrician before my second son was born. We didn't have a problem with the dr., but his office staff was just plain incompetent.I refused to have my second son go there, so we switched to a new dr. I have no regrets.
Posted by: ckismom | March 2, 2009 6:24 PM