Can I change doctors after I have been seen?

@sra2

Glad you found Mayo Connect, and not sure can give definite answer, but can advise. You need to have trust in your providers, and if that is not there, you can ask for another provider.

I did once in urology, but not for surgery. After seeing a provider who I though was dismissive I called the appointment coordinator in the area, explained situation and asked for another provider and they scheduled me with someone else. They must of put a note in medical record, because the next nurse commented on my request. I had much better experience with new provider.

Sometimes surgery is very specialized, their might be only a few options and also other surgeons may not be available in time frame. My sister wanted specific surgeon she had seen before and they honored her request, but delayed her surgery. In her case, it was not urgent.

My suggestion, call the section and ask for a consult with another surgeon, be honest, tell them you do not have confidence in first surgeon and want 2nd opinion, or whatever reason you want to share with them.

Would you care to share what section are you being seen in and reason for surgery (please do not share surgeon's name)?

Thank you so much for advising me Laurie!

The section I'm talking about is urology and it is for a very large cyst. My appointment was pretty brief and it was clear he did not really look at my case other than on the surface. He was also dismissive.

In reading your response, I realized that maybe he would not be the surgeon. I assumed if I needed surgery that he would be the one to do it. Even if he's not the surgeon, I do not want to continue with him as a provider so I am going to call as you suggested and see about changing providers. Thank you once again!

Hi @sra2, We’re usually so spoiled with our outstanding care and treatment at Mayo, aren’t we?! When we get a practitioner who doesn’t quite live up to what we’ve come to expect, it’s a real let down. It can also be a negative reflection on the clinic.

Your experience with this doctor was contrary to the dedicated and attentive nature you’ve come to expect.
You may want to make a report with the Office of Patient Experience at Mayo Clinic.
There are several options available:
~email:
opx@mayo.edu

~Phone: 844-544-0036

If you prefer written communication, you can use the online form provided on the webpage here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/about-mayo-clinic/patient-experience

Wishing you smooth sailing ahead with a new provider.

Hi Lori,

Yes, we usually are spoiled so I was quite disappointed with my latest experience, unfortunately.

Thank you so much for the info on the Office of Patient Experience. I am so glad I posted because I was really feeling defeated and stuck, but now that I know I have options, I feel so much better. Thank you so much!

Hi!
I'm sorry you are having doubts about your doctor. However, if that's the case you definitely should change doctors and maybe even hospitals. You need to trust who is giving you care and where you are getting it. Remember, it's your body and your money even if it's paid for by insurance. Who pays the insurance? You do! They don't own you! If they insist that you have to have a certain procedure or doctor that you don't feel comfortable about and they won't cancel it, then write a polite letter or email and tell them you won't be there and why. (This covers you legally so they can't charge you for not showing up. Be sure and keep several copies.)
Good luck!
PML

Hi pml!

Thank you for your advice and I get what you are saying. Not at Mayo, but I have been through the ringer with doctors at numerous different practices who have caused me a lot of damage (again, not Mayo). I love Mayo so I don't want to change hospitals. Mayo has helped me more than any other health facility (I see more than one specialty). My concern is with the one doctor and I believe I'm on the right path. Thanks again!

I tell people that Specialists have subspecialties. My first Pulmonologist at Mayo was focused on lung cancer. He gave me an immediate appointment when he saw my scans. Two years later when I needed more in-depth discussion for my other lung issues, I asked questions, and he suggested I see his colleague in the Interstitial Lung Disease Clinic. The desk was going to schedule me with a Nurse Practitioner, but I know I have very complicated issues and need someone with real depth and experience. So, I said no, I need to see an MD for pulmonary fibrosis. I then saw the perfect MD for my problems. My quality of life and length of life really depend on expertise ... no time to be shy about getting the right specialist.