Hi,
Can anyone advise on how to go about firing an oncologist? I won't go into the plethora of reasons why, but I want to be sure to have a smooth transition to the new oncologist. I'm researching who the new onc will be currently. I want to make sure medical records and all other pertinent information is available to the new office. Our location is Georgia, USA so those more familiar with USA based practices would be best, but I'll take all advice!!
Thanks,
Deanna 
Hi. When I needed to switch oncologists, I contacted my breast cancer navigator (aka nurse) and asked her how to go about doing that. I didn’t want to leave the hospital system I was apart of (just my oncologist). My navigator recommended a different oncologist and then took care of making it happen. My previous oncologist denied my PET scan requests but my new oncologist did not and liver metastasis was found with no symptoms and perfect labwork. So glad I switched!
I’m in Georgia and I did change by first asking for a second opinion. I had heard many good things about my second opinion oncologist while waiting for the appointment. So by time I got there I knew I wanted to stay there. But he already had access to my records and history. I informed the old oncologist afterwards. But my records are my records and we have access to them no matter where we go. The office you’re leaving from can not forward third party information so keep track of where everything come from.
I have worked in a cancer center with 4 oncologists right next to one another and occasionally a patient would switch from one to another. It was usually a personality issue or they didn’t approve of the treatment. No one got upset, it happens. If you are staying in the same system your records should be available to the new onc. If not, you will need to contact medical records to sign for your info to be sent to the new doc. It is good you are researching, if you are like me you get referred to a doctor by another doctor when diagnosed, sometimes they know each other or there is a rotation system that you get the next doctor in line. I had to be firm with my primary doc that I wanted a certain surgeon for my lobectomy, it seems he always referred to someone else but as I worked in that system I knew about the other surgeons bad outcomes. I stood my ground and got the surgeon I wanted who did an excellent job. Still have the same primary.
I've never fired an oncologist, but have fired other specialist doctors, and I see mostly doctors in one large medical system but see 3 doctors who aren't. There are issues with the large system's record system not being easy to get to other systems. You could ask for print copies of your records and take those to the new doctor. I like the suggestions others have made about asking for a "second opinion!" Talk with the nurses and other patients to get recommendations for another onc! We really need oncs that we can trust!
If you already are on the works with a new oncologist, just make the switch. You will be leaving your old oncologist anyway. In my case, I did not have a good relationship with my oncologist, so I told her I was seeking treatment elsewhere and would not be needing her services any longer. It is up to you.
My wife has had to switch oncologists in the past. It can be a bit stressful but it can also be empowering and just downright necessary. We’ve been surprised that we don’t see folks doing this more often. Familiar surroundings can be comfortable but if you feel like you’re not getting good treatment or not being heard then you’re doing the right thing.
We consulted with and lined up the new doc first, then just simply sent a respectful email saying we’ve decided to switch practices (no need to get into reasons), thanked them for the care they’ve provided, and gave them a heads up that the new onco would be contacting their office to get copies of records. We also try to keep our own copies of blood work, scans, etc, but there should be no need for you to handle the records transfer yourself.
I hope the new practice works out for you,
I don't know what is going on here. I have started replies to you twice and they just disappear. I have switched oncs 3 times. Here in MN all records are accessible on line and new clinic can just look them up. No need to carry info to the next one. So ask the new one if they can access. Some small clinics need authorization signed. As we go thru the cancer journey--5 years for me--we have different needs. Sometimes the onc is good but the clinic is unorganized and can't get things done, and does not treat people well. I just send the old one a note saying I have transferred my care and thanked them for their care--even tho I might have had huge issues with their care! Best to you! Kay
Hopefully you know who you want to replace him or her with - make an appointment for a second opinion with that person (do what you have to to get your records to the new oncologist before your visit with him and her). Listen to their review and whatever if you still like that person you just say that you want to transfer your care to him or her. They might say something like they are in agreement with the care you are already receiving - you can say that you have a personality conflict or you would be more comfortable switching - you don't have to go into a lot of detail once you say the words and they accept you all will be well. That was my experience. 🌺
It's easy, with no need for drama. Find your new onc., call the old o ne, have all your records transferred and don't make any more appointments. When/if they call, just say you're more comfortable with the new one. Done.
I made an appointment with a new oncologist to see if I liked her, and I did, so I asked her to accept me as a new patient. I signed the forms giving them permission to obtain my medical records (I had already gotten a copy of my records from my old oncologist “just in case”) and they had no problem getting them. I never talked to my old oncologist at all. I just didn’t want to deal with her and there was no reason to.
Hi! I call myself an onco slut (haha) because I'm on my fourth one... basically looking for someone I feel I can trust and who'll treat me as an individual, rather than going through the same old protocol. Like Chamisa, I simply make an appointment with a new onc and then sign the records release forms.... no drama.... I'm hearing that many of you have copies of your records, and that's probably something I should do.... Are all of our records electronic.... or are there some still in hard copy?
Just wakes away and hired a new one close by at “The Cancer Center” in WVa. Now I have metastatic and work to make it a smooth transition absolutely. They missed something at the other office. The care I needed was not there at “Thomas Memorial “
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