Long time neurologist leaving me without notice?

I am compassionate for your situation. If this is some consolation, I envision that many of us will experience the same as you as time passes for various reasons. Like you did professionally in your last sentence, I am stopping further comments. My neuro gave up his private practice, starting with not accepting patients with medicare. Then he went to work for a hospital and gratefully I'm still one of his patients. If I have not been a patient of his for 16 years, I feel comfortable stating that he is likely not accepting new patients. I am very fortunate. While I am still a patient of his, it takes 2 days to correspond with him having to go through a plethora of hospital voicemail screenings resulting in my having to speak with his PA nurse first. Not complaining, just attempting to help others plan for the future. I wish you the best in trying to replace him/her. The Epilepsy Foundation might be able to help you. My best.

@applecrumb07 - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect.

It's difficult to lose a long-time doctor. My husband always has a resident as his doctor, which means they turn over regularly. He does not mind. But I'm much more into building a relationship with my doctor, hairdresser, dentist, etc.

I do not have epilepsy or a seizure disorder, but my primary care doctor I really liked became associate dean of the medical school at my hospital. I learned about this somehow and that she was culling her patient list. Because I was pregnant at the time and she was managing that care, I was not immediately told to find a new doctor. But after I gave birth, I received the letter telling me about her new position and asking that I find a new doctor. I was sad, and it took quite some time to find a new doctor I really liked.

@royanthony - I'm glad you were able to stay with your neurologist. However, the taking 2 days to correspond with him and having to go through a plethora of hospital voicemail screenings, resulting in your having to speak with his PA first, sounds much less straightforward than you'd hope for.

applecrumb07 - what do you think you'll do next about a neurologist?

There are several in the same health system but none of them are epilepsy or seizure disorder specific such as MS,stroke,Parkinson's etc. I feel led to consult with another neurologist that treated me for neuropathy in my feet last year....a young woman who I remember discussed with me about her interest in epilepsy.

Hi @applecrumb07
Sad to hear that, I am also compassionate about your situation.
Since I understand you are looking for a new doctor, I advise you to give preference to an epileptologist rather than a neurologist, if this is possible. I have felt great difference in being treated by an epileptologist compared to the several neurologists I have been through.
All my best to you!
Chris (@santosha)

I think I am going to retain an Epileptologist instead of my neurologist. There is one in Mayo's office in Jacksonville where I am treated with the MRI. I hope he will take me as a patient. Relating to access, I participate in a program with my GP called MDVIP. It costs $450 per quarter of the year, but for me with epilepsy, it's well worth the $ I am fortunate to be able to spend. I have access to him 24 hours a day 7 days a week via his cell phone number for an emergency. Of course, a patient should NEVER abuse this option!! MDVIP has a portal, using one's username and password, I can communicate with him directly. Exellent for requesting refills. I'll get a response from him by the next day if not sooner.