Maybe you don’t like their personality or demeanor. Perhaps they have mismanaged or misdiagnosed your health problems, or you don’t see eye-to-eye on treatment approaches.
Regardless of the reason, firing your healthcare provider isn’t easy, but it is sometimes your best option.
This article can help you try to build a better relationship with your healthcare provider, and, if you do decide to get a new one, prevent complications and make a smooth transition.
Suggest positive steps they could take to improve.
For example, say you don’t feel like your healthcare provider listens to you. Think about what has made you feel like this. Do they dismiss what you say? Talk over you? Fail to make eye contact while you talk?
Giving them concrete, actionable feedback: “I’d feel more heard if you let me talk without interrupting” is more useful than saying, “You’re not a good listener.”
If they’re receptive, give them time to make changes. Also be sure that you give them a chance to clear up any misunderstandings.
If they’re not receptive, or if the problem is something they can’t fix, you may be right about needing to leave.
It may take months to get in with a new healthcare provider. That’s especially true for specialists.
Not having a healthcare provider can be a real problem if you:
Need prescription refillsHave a new problemNeed a referral
You can search for the new one in multiple ways:
Get a list of covered providers from your health insurance. Ask friends, family, coworkers, or other healthcare providers for recommendations. Check online ratings.
When you gather some names, call their office to ask some initial questions that might help you gauge if they are a good fit and can take you on as a patient. For example, if you have insurance, ask if they accept your plan. If you need evening appointments, see if they offer them.
Then, set up an introductory appointment with the healthcare provider you’re considering switching to. During it, you can ask more specific questions related to whatever is prompting you to look for a new provider.
For example, if you’re interested in a healthcare provider who is open to incorporating complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) into your care, ask whether or not they are open to that and have experience with it.
The entire purpose of this visit is to give you a chance to see if the new healthcare provider is a better match for you.
Once you’ve selected a healthcare provider, get copies of your medical records or have them sent to the new office ahead of time (if the staff isn’t handling this for you).
Talk to them about where things stand with:
TreatmentsPending diagnosesRecent bloodworkAnything else that may be a loose end
That will help keep things from falling through the cracks.
Also, ask them for prescription refills that will last until you’re able to get them from the new healthcare provider.
If you choose to have this discussion, it can be done in person or during a phone appointment. Or if you’re more comfortable telling your healthcare provider your reasons for leaving in a letter, email, or message through a secure patient portal, then do it that way.
Anger and frustration can easily make their way into such an exchange. Be conscious of your word choices, tone, and demeanor so that you can express yourself clearly and professionally.
It’s best to find a new healthcare provider before leaving the old one. That way, you’re not caught without a practitioner while awaiting your first appointment.
An introductory appointment can help you see whether this healthcare provider is a better fit. If so, schedule a final visit with your old practitioner.
Use the final visit to tie up loose ends. You may also want to discuss your reason for leaving. Or you might want to send something in writing.
A Word From Verywell
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you don’t have interruptions in your care. Those can have a detrimental impact on your health, especially if you have chronic conditions.
Everyone deserves medical care they’re happy and comfortable with. Don’t be afraid to make a change if you think it’s in your best interest.
