What are things to consider when wanting to switch doctors during chemo treatment?
Leave aside the question of why and just assume there are valid reasons for the purpose of this post. Does anyone ever do this? How is it accomplished?
Dad is on a break between cycles due to the side effects of treatment, in partial remission. Insurance ok, but there is a grant in place for one aspect of treatment.
Essentially – if one does have need to switch oncologists – do people ever just call another and say I'm wanting to switch? Is this ever done?
Please respond with any thoughts at all.
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Re: How to switch doctors while receiving treatment?
My husband switched doctors mid-treatment, but that was because his original oncologist recommended it. She was having a difficult time keeping his numbers under control, so she recommended we see a myeloma specialist. At this time we are with the specialist until at least he undergoes his transplant.
I have to say it was somewhat confusing during the switch as we worked to get all the records copied and sent to the specialist.
Now, if the reason you are switching is because you are unhappy with your current oncologist, then do not feel bad. Remember, this is your health, and you have to do what is best for you. Being happy with your doctor is one of the key factors here.
I have to say it was somewhat confusing during the switch as we worked to get all the records copied and sent to the specialist.
Now, if the reason you are switching is because you are unhappy with your current oncologist, then do not feel bad. Remember, this is your health, and you have to do what is best for you. Being happy with your doctor is one of the key factors here.
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Melanie - Name: Melanie
- Who do you know with myeloma?: husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: July 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 54
Re: How to switch doctors while receiving treatment?
Melanie,
I haven't done this in mid-treatment, but I've certainly switched between doctors over time.
First, I would suggest not feeling any anxiety about switching doctors. You should not feel hesitant about seeking out the best care possible with a doctor that you feel comfortable with.
But what you might want to do is to have the first appointment with your prospective new doctor before making the switch (might help to bring as many printed records and CDs of any imaging sessions as you can when you have that first appointment). The new doctor's office can help in requesting a transfer of all the records and also inform you of any concerns he / she might have with the transition. I would also suspect that the new doctor would call up the current doctor and have a chat.
I also wouldn't worry about the current doctor's reaction to you leaving their practice. My experience is that nearly all docs take this kind of thing in stride and are very professional and understanding about this process.
I haven't done this in mid-treatment, but I've certainly switched between doctors over time.
First, I would suggest not feeling any anxiety about switching doctors. You should not feel hesitant about seeking out the best care possible with a doctor that you feel comfortable with.
But what you might want to do is to have the first appointment with your prospective new doctor before making the switch (might help to bring as many printed records and CDs of any imaging sessions as you can when you have that first appointment). The new doctor's office can help in requesting a transfer of all the records and also inform you of any concerns he / she might have with the transition. I would also suspect that the new doctor would call up the current doctor and have a chat.
I also wouldn't worry about the current doctor's reaction to you leaving their practice. My experience is that nearly all docs take this kind of thing in stride and are very professional and understanding about this process.
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Multibilly - Name: Multibilly
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Smoldering, Nov, 2012
Re: How to switch doctors while receiving treatment?
I just want to reiterate what Multibilly said: Most doctors take this in stride.
I have not changed doctors during treatment, but I did change from a generalist oncologist / hematologist to a myeloma specialist oncologist / hematologist as they were evaluating my case. I am glad I did because myeloma is only 1% of the cancer cases, so it really is a specialty among cancers.
Be proactive about health and don't burn any bridges. But whatever reason you are feeling you want to make the switch, know that it is done and, frankly, it's part of "doing business" in the medical profession.
Feel free to do so. Be in charge of your health. Make the best decisions you can with the most solid information you can.
All the best to you.
I have not changed doctors during treatment, but I did change from a generalist oncologist / hematologist to a myeloma specialist oncologist / hematologist as they were evaluating my case. I am glad I did because myeloma is only 1% of the cancer cases, so it really is a specialty among cancers.
Be proactive about health and don't burn any bridges. But whatever reason you are feeling you want to make the switch, know that it is done and, frankly, it's part of "doing business" in the medical profession.
Feel free to do so. Be in charge of your health. Make the best decisions you can with the most solid information you can.
All the best to you.
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Toni - Name: Toni
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self - MGUS
- When were you/they diagnosed?: April 2014
- Age at diagnosis: 51
Re: How to switch doctors while receiving treatment?
Thank you - so very helpful to read these comments and views. Good forum – I'm thankful it exists.
5 posts
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