How Do I Fire A Doctor?

[futurehope]

As some of you know, I tried a new internal medicine doctor and was less than pleased. If I never go to him again, how do I find out what he wrote in his files? Unfortunately, he is part of the Johns Hopkins medical system, and his notes are everywhere in Hopkins' files right now.

Should I speak to him? Should I forget it? I cannot see another Hopkins internal medicine doctor because they will see the current notes from the doc I do not like. Actually, any Hopkins doctor will have access to his notes.

What would you do if you were me? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[EarthMother]

I would probably walk away and not look back and spend my energy finding a Doctor that is a better fit for my situation.

I have had lots of notes written about me that I disagree with in my medical file. But once I found a good primary care physician, it just didn't matter. After time, he came to see enough of me that he knew first hand who I was.

Once when I needed to see another doctor on call in his medical practice, I was treated very rudely and this other Doctor put some notes in my file that made me look like a crack pot. When I next saw my regular Doctor, I told him what happened ... he read the notes ... and I asked him point blank "Do you agree with that assessment?" He shook his head, stormed out of the office right then and there to address the other physician on the spot. When he returned to the exam room he apologized on behalf of his colleague. Never before had I ever felt as validated and almost a decade later I am still blessed that he is on my team.

Keep moving forward. When you find the right match, your new Doctor's notes will speak for themselves.

Good luck,

~EM

[Rachel]

You can call the medical records department and request copies of your records. I have done this before with Johns Hopkins, and they were very good about getting my records to me. You will probably be required to fill out a form and mail/fax it to the records department. Then they will mail your records to you, and you won't have to speak with your doctor at all.

I once had an awful doctor. I knew the moment she walked into the exam room that I wouldn't ever want to go to her again. I went through the appointment, and then just called a few weeks later and requested that my medical records be sent to me. I never scheduled another appointment, never went back, and never had to explain myself. The records were sent to me no questions asked.

I hope you can find a better doctor.

Rachel

[ramakentesh]

medical notes dont matter. Finding a good doctor that understands your condition and is willing to work with you matters.

[futurehope]

I got my notes, and hashed out a few things with him on the phone. He now realizes I will be keeping tabs on him since I am very aware of everything he said and wrote.

I do believe he has changed some notes. Frankly, as long as I can get general care from him, that is all I need. I will not allow him to write or insinuate any falsehoods and he knows it. I've lost my fear of him. My specialists are really the ones who treat my underlying conditions. I'll be careful, but I do believe he will try and work with me now.

I wanted to make sure that there was nothing on the Hopkins notes that would prevent others from seeing my true medical conditions, or laid the cause of them on a mood disorder. I am now convinced that will not happen. Phew!

[firewatcher]

If it ever happens, you can add a letter to your own chart/medical file refuting the doctor or "explaining" your side. To TRULY fire a doctor you have to send them a letter stating that you are no longer a patient, that you are refusing their care. Otherwise they are obligated to treat you, unless they have sent you a letter terminating your doctor/patient relationship. It truly is a legal contract when you see a doctor, they cannot divulge ANY information to anyone without your permission (that's why you have to sign all those papers at the first appointment.)

IF he has changed his tune, and you can now "talk openly with him," he is an asset to keep. Too often patients blindly think that the doctor knows best and will not question what they say. Good luck and keep a stiff backbone!

p.s.- there are ways of finding out what medical school they went to, articles they've written, patient reviews, even GPA! If you look.......I even found political campaign donations!