New EP

I am a little over two months post op (2 lead pm) and am scheduled to go in next week for my 3 month check up. I called today to ask what time my appointment was at and was told I actually needed to reschedule because my doctor was leaving the practice and I either needed to meet with him earlier in the week or schedule with the other EP (don't know what would have happened if I had just arrived for my scheduled appointment or if they were planning on telling me before I arrived). I don't really like the office that much (very disorganized, always take an hour or two past appointment time before they get me in, not open past 4 pm, etc). The nurses that check me in and does basic blood pressure etc, never know why I'm there, always ask if its my first visit and seem generally baffled when I tell them I already have a pacemaker and just need to get it interrogated-its like they don't even skim my chart. I was sent here by my GP and stayed because I liked my EP so well. I don't know where he is going or if he is staying local, but in this situation is it necessary to stay with the practice where my PM was placed? Is it ok to ask if he is going to a new practice at my appointment next week or does that put him in a weird position (don't know if there are rules about taking patients with you)? If he is moving far away should I try my luck with the new EP at this practice or try to find a different office? I'm fairly young (25) so besides basic physicals this is my first time navigating the medical world and I have no idea what is normal/correct to do in this situation! Thanks!

5 Comments

GoodDog is Correct

by Lurch - 2016-04-09 01:04:08

Your medical team works for you, not the other way around. You are paying for a service to be rendered by them; and that includes the office staff. If you are not satisfied, you should let your doctor know about your concerns. If they are not addressed, move on. If you were running a business and had an employee(s) that were making things difficult for your customers would you ignore it or address it? The same should be true for a medical office.

I fired my GP several years ago and I am convinced that had I not, I would not be here today!

EP

by BillH - 2016-04-09 02:04:08

I don't know what kind of practice this is or if you are in the US or not.

In the US many practice are owned by hospital groups, even if they are in a separate location.

So it is possible that he has some of non-compete clause in this contract.

But ask anyway. If he is leaving town or changing direction he will probably directly answer.

But if he is staying in town, but just changing practice and he has a non-compete, he might give you some vague answer such as "maybe I see you around town".

And if you think that he is staying in the area, but you can figure out where, ask your GP.

Also in the US it is your right to a complete copy of your medical records.

When you find a new EP they will usually get a copy of your records from the old office. But if there run into a problem you can get them yourself.

What to do

by Good Dog - 2016-04-09 02:04:31

You should know that you are free to do whatever you feel will serve you the best. The doctor works for you, not the other way around.
If I were you, I would not stay with that practice. It seems really disorganized and it just doesn't sound like they are serving their patients very well. You would know that better than I would. There is nothing wrong with asking where your doc is going. There is also nothing wrong with following him to his new practice if he stays local.
In any case, you need to find a doctor that you are comfortable with. If you need to change doctors several times before you find the right one, then you should do so.\
I wish you the very best,
David

move on

by Tracey_E - 2016-04-09 11:04:57

Sounds like that practice is a mess. Perhaps that's why the EP is moving on? I'd ask your GP if he/she knows where the EP is going to, or move the appointment up so you can see the one you like one more time and ask about staying with him. Whether you stay with the same doc or not, I wouldn't stay at a practice you don't like when the single doc you like is gone.

Thanks!

by Sarbear - 2016-04-19 07:04:32

Thanks All!

I talked with my EP last week and will be able to move to his new practice. Very glad you are all here to answer these types of questions!

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