Protocol to Switching Pulmonologists at same medical center?

I switched pulmonologists at a 2 person clinic. I had received very dismissive care from the SR pulmonologist and the younger one was the son of a family friend. I made an appt and saw him and he warned me that he practices with his partner but I was OK with that, as long as the other guy wasn’t my main lung doc. It was OK but I eventually switched to another lung doc because even the family friend had NO idea how to treat me when I had problems (which is the main time he was needed.)

It can be awkward so try to have a plan B with a totally different practice. Ask others in your area who they see and are happy with. If you like your internist o rd anny if your other docs, ask him/her. I got my current lung doc from my allergist who begged him to take me. He’s excellent and totally unconnected with the other practice.

This varies at medical facilities and you’ll need to ask your clinic about their policy.

At Penn, the policy is 3 years after seeing someone in that specialty. I needed at neuro consult last year and even 8 months out, there were no appointments available at Penn in city center or near me. The only available was about an hour away and the scheduler warned me I wouldn’t be able to switch.

I saw a neurologist in another group and they don’t have that restriction.

Good luck to you!

@doberdoo @pacathy is correct - this policy varies from one practice to another, and only "hitting a snag" teaches us how hard it can be. It has happened to me several times, and different things have worked.
Here is a strategy that worked for me with a specialist in my large clinical practice - they operate from several clinics across a metro area, and I asked for one in a different clinic citing transportation issues.
At an ortho practice that discouraged, but didn't forbid, switching I had to speak to the assistant to the Medical Director - when I explained that my hospital care by the surgeon had been so bad that the Ortho Ward Nurse Manager helped me file a complaint against him, they were more than happy to allow the change.
At my cardio clinic they use a "team" approach - you can request any of several cardiologists, ANPs or PAs within that team. The receptionist told me they want people to be comfortable with their practitioner because they are more compliant - I LOVE that attitude.

Doberdoo, my pulmonologist is from northwestern medicine too. When I tried to schedule an appointment with another doctor from the same system I was told I needed a written transfer of care from my doctor. That’s their policy. So far I am not thrilled with her ( very condensending) but decided to stay with her. She is part of the bronchiectasis group of doctors. She treats about 50 patients with bronchiectasis and sees patients in Glenview and lake forest- Dr. Zinn

Interested in the responses as I am considering requesting a change.

A few years ago, my PCP left so found a Dr who took new patients. Asked her for a different Pulmonologist. Old one didn’t explain much. She referred me to a Dr in a different system and he is wonderful! Before this I actually thought of taking a 7 hr plane trip across the country to see my original Pulmonologist, not a good plan, what if something really serious happened?
Not good to compare different Dr’s but that’s what happened.

I am being treated for Bronchiectasis at Duke and I have ben stonewalled in seeking to change pulmonologists. I realize that this condition is not common, but I am so dissatisfied. I have not looked at University of North Carolina. Today, I had to remind this guy that it has been over a year since my last imaging. It sucks to feel sick and to have to fight a system.

I have also seen a pulmonologist at Duke (a female) for several years. I don't feel that she's ever done much. My local pulmonologist referred me to UNC Bronchiectasis/NTM Care and Research Center, and it didn't take long to get an appointment. They were very thorough. I saw the physician, dietician, nurse, respiratory therapist, and was referred to an immunologist. They are very easy to communicate with through the portal. Good luck choosing a new MD. Donna Turnbaugh