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“Not allowed to switch providers”… has anyone else had this experience?
I have requested to be switched to a different neuromuscular specialist (in the same clinic) after not being comfortable/confident in the current doctor they “assigned” me to originally. I called the clinic and made the request, but they said “no, we cannot do that until your current provider releases you from her medical care”. I thought this was weird, but they said they would leave a message for her to do this, then would call back to schedule with new provider. I then received a written message through the hospital portal that said, “I and sorry to say, but this is not possible. We cannot change your provider without a medical reason for this.” So, at the advice of my hematologist at the same hospital, I contacted “Patient Relations”. They told me the same thing – that it was hospital policy. (not according to my hematologist there!) I pushed and she said she would reach out to the clinic. I received a phone call today from Patient Relations saying they “spoke with (the doctor I requested) and other providers in the clinic and they cannot grant a provider change”. What in the world?? I have never heard of this. It feels like I’m being held hostage medically! I have awesome private health insurance (PPO choice), so it is NOT an insurance issue. I pay all my MANY medical bills on time. Why would they treat patients like this? When I told the Patient Relations rep that I have the right to choose my own provider (who I pay!) and if they wouldn’t make the change, then I would have to go outside of their hospital system for care, she made a comment about it being hard to find MG doctors. True. But the way she said it, and the timing, felt a little threatening and bully-like. Has anyone else experienced anything like this?
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