Is it even possible to switch neurologists without wrecking your life?

Hello All, I have TLE. I'm in the position of having to leave a neuro that's made me feel uncomfortable for starting to order expensive tests and then becoming angry and agitated when asked questions about it. Neuro's demeanor has turned on a dime, was yelled at like a child and threatened to be dismissed if I did not comply. I've already made an appt. with another neuro who I don't know, but of course they want me to sign the release form and get the records from the doc I'll be leaving. I have no clue what will be added to my record after that exchange and have no plans to offer any explanation or 'complain' about that doc, or even bring it up to this new doc. How do you handle switching docs when things go south?

Luby23

Thank you for your reply straydog. Sorry I didn't add enough details. I've seen this doc for 3 years and we've never had a problem. I was given a referral for neuropsych testing and told go if the minor memory issues got worse. So I didn't make the appointment because my memory was not changing in any way or getting worse. My husband was at the appointment with me and heard what the neuro said. Out of the blue the testing facility calls and says I need to make the appointment. I call the neuro's front desk and she said "The note here says you need the testing." So I make the appointment for the test. A couple of days later the testing facility calls and quotes the copay plus the out of pocket amount which is due the day of the test and it's almost a thousand dollars! So I call the neuro's office and leave a message asking if I really need this test. Later that day I call back and he gets on the phone and says "You need the testing." And when I remind him that he told us at the appt. 'get this test if it gets worse' , he gets really agitated. "I never said that! It's a sign right there, selective memory for things that benefit you! It's just a copay, it doesn't cost 100,000 dollars!" (I never divulged the out of pocket amount) I was a bit shaken but remained very calm and said "the thing is, my husband was there with me and he remembers you saying the same thing." He yelled "No No No! If you don't get this testing, you can find another neurologist!" To which I simply said "OK, thank you." and hung up. He may not remember what he said or just changed his mind, but making up some symptom on my part then blaming the miscommunication on it is a no go. No telling what my outlook would be years down the road if I stay with him. Who knows what else he would make up! My husband is furious with the neuro and doesn't want me going back there saying that the doc is basically calling me a liar. What's so bizarre is right up until that conversation the relationship was consistently professional.

If asked why I left my previous doc, suppose "communiction issues" fits and doesn't sound all that critical. During the appts. he hardly spoke and hid behind his laptop anyway. I have never had a falling out with a doc before and will do my best to navigate it somehow.

Thank you straydog, it's been helpful getting an outside point of view. You take care as well.

Hi Luby, I am very glad to read that your appt went well with the new dr! I don't blame you for not bringing up the recommendation for the testing. You were there to get his opinion on what needs to be done. That was an excellent decision on your part.

It is daunting switching to new drs. But, I look at it this way, as a patient we deserve the same respect that we give to them. Anything less, is not workable. I have no problem ever questioning the need for medical test either. In today's environment, patients need to advocate for the best care possible.

Please keep us posted on how you are doing.

you need a new doctor ! the sooner the better ! I remember going to a neurologist with a good name and reputation behind him but letting him have as many years of my life as I did wasn't worth it ! I finally left when I asked him about my vision problem . you don't have any vision problem ! I had been having problems with my vision for years ! He was completely clueless and didn't care! I knew I had to leave no matter how good his name and it's made all the difference in the world !