Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group MY RHEUMATOLOGIST DUMPED ME!!!

I am SO MAD and scared! Yesterday I cancelled my rheumy appointment because it was snowing and icy outside. My rheumatologist's secretary called me and told me that my doctor was mad that I cancelled and I have cancelled a lot. The last time SHE cancelled on me and I didn't leave her! Anyway, she will not fill my Enbrel anymore. I asked the secretary to have the Doctor call me back...no call yet!
Enbrel has given me my life back. I have been on it since July 2003 and I am doing so well. I am mad, scared and without a doctor. I went through 5 doctors before I found her. Do you guys think that I should try to patch things up with her or find another doc?? Thanks for your help!

Ellyn

You may find help through this link
college of rheumatologists

I dont thihnk it would be right to beg. And the information so far is only from the secretary. Very unprofessional too.

Ellyn, I'm so sorry to hear. I went through the same thing this summer, and your best bet is to get another doctor. Most docs won't "undump" you, although legally, they have to give you some kind of written notice, not just a phonecall. Usually there will be a thirty day window where they should still call in your meds, but not always.

As scary as this is, trust that there is a better doctor out there for you. Someone who will be a little more understanding with your situation.

Hope things look up for you soon.

Thanks for the reply I am starting to look for a new Doc, it just blows my mind that she could be THAT insensitive and have the secretary call me.

I got my notice from a business manager I had never met in the two years I had been seeing the doc. He was a real jerk about it. The fact is, when the money becomes more important to them than the quality of your care, it's time to go anyway.

Best of Luck

I noticed a sign in my Doctors office last time I saw him that said three cancellations and he will not see you anymore. I live in a place of ice and snow. There are many reasons a cancellation could happen as well, like illness.
I think if you value the Doctor you could try writing and put personal on the envelope. Tell the Doctor you value her care and that she has helped you and you went through a long time of trying to find someone you liked. Remind her she had cancelled last time and not you. Solicit her understanding.
If that does not work, then she is not anybody you should be seeing. I don't like the practice anyways of dumping you because of having to cancel.
Your PC should be able to prescribe the medications for you such as Enbrel.
~Kewanee

Hi Kewanee,
This is great advice. Thank you very much. I am partially glad that she didn't call back yesterday. I WAS SO MAD! I am more calm about it now. I still have 2 months of Enbrel in my fridge and I have 2 refills left (hope she dosn't cancel them on me!!).
Thanks!
Ellyn

My last rheumy and Primary Care Physician both had me sign forms that if I cancelled three times they had the right to refuse treating me. If I failed to show without calling to cancel I would still be billed for the office visit.

Medicine is now a big business... money talks unfortunately, but that seems to describe our American society in general.

Not attempting to turn the tables on you, just trying to understand why the doctor may have responded with such a comment, something I do in my personal life when I have a conflict/problem/issue with another party. If you have been cancelling quite a few times and it is habitual (inferred from the offices reply to you), then I would be hesitant to treat you in the future as well. If these cancellations are the day of, they probably have great difficulty filling the cancellation and it is a lost revenue stream. If they have numerous patients doing the same, it would be a serious issue to their business.

If you do value this doctor and the treatment I would follow the earlier advice and write the doctor and state that you understand how cancellations impact their business... ,that you value their treatment and will be more diligent going forward.

That is my 2 cents,

Tim

Ellyn,
You are so welcome. I can only imagine how you feel. Do remember that perhaps your PC can make a new script for you and that was good advice about mentioning in the letter about you know how it affects their patient flow and income. hmmmm.
Let us know how you do wont you and best wishes.
~Kewanee

I don't like this at all. It goes against Patient Autonomy, which is the patient's right to make their own health care decisions.

First, you NEVER dump a patient. It's unethical. You always give the names of two equally qualified physicians.

You'll need some documentation and let me find out what board you should complain to, K?