When One Door Closes

A Letter to My Doctor

Today I sent the following letter to a doctor.  I hope others are encouraged to share why they leave a practice before they go.

Dear Dr. XXXXXXXX

I am requesting that my medical records be forwarded to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I will not be able to use your services any longer.  Please allow me to explain why.
First, I should explain how I chose you as a physician — and possibly a surgeon — that I would use.  I put a call out to friends and family for a recommendation.  Your name came up.  Even though our state physician profile lists you as having made five malpractice payments in the past six years, three payments above average, I did recognize that your membership of five prestigious organizations such as the American Medical Association, the Medical Society of State of NY and the Nassau County Medical Society might mean patient safety was important to you. 

I thought it would be important to share with you why I am leaving and can’t recommend your practice.

      1.  I found it offensive and disturbing that my reason for seeing you was discussed at the front desk.  I knew why other patients were there because it is asked when signing in, and written down where the next person can see; also, the receptionist confirmed aloud what my appointment was about.  Although this is not a HIPAA violation it would be a breach of privacy were there someone present from my circle of friends or family with whom I didn’t want to share my business. Imagine if a gynecologist’s receptionist asked whether a patient was there for a pap test or a yeast infection, or to see if she were pregnant.  These discussions belong inside your office.

     2. Although your x-ray technician was very nice, he seemed rushed and impatient with other staff.  He told your PA that he was waiting for me for a half hour.  I was not even there for 10 minutes.  He also did not describe what was happening to me, what he would do, or why he would do it.  He said almost nothing to me.  A brief explanation of what would be happening while he was working – thus taking no extra time — would have been helpful, especially if I were someone feeling scared or alone. It also would have made a great impact on my experience.

     3. I don’t appreciate being called “Doll” after every sentence by a staff person who is half my age (or any staff person).  If she couldn’t remember my name, there are safer ways of confirming she has the correct person.

     4. An unknown, elderly woman in a wheelchair was wheeled into my room while I was waiting for you.  I had to stop the staff person from bringing her in.  He apologized and said he had the wrong room.  This gives the impression that your office is in some disarray and there are on-going problems.

     5. On my first visit with you, you were obviously very sick with a serious head cold and let me know that.  I understand that it is not easy to take off from work, yet you never washed your hands and even after blowing your nose you went back onto the computer in your room without cleaning your hands.  Then, you left the room touching the door knob.
   
 Dr. XXX, this letter is not being sent as an official complaint to the Office of Professional Medical Conduct, but instead offers an opportunity to review practices that can be viewed as potential hazards to your reputation, your staff, and most importantly your patients. It is very difficult for me to write this letter but I think it is very important that these issues of respect, courtesy and safety are addressed.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Ilene Corina, Patient Safety Advocate

CC:
American Medical Association
Medical Society of State of NY
Nassau County Medical Society