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Switching dermatologists
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Switching dermatologists

› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › Switching dermatologists

  • Post
    • June 19, 2017 at 11:14 am
    Girlfromohio
    Participant

      I am currently seeing a Nurse Practitioner at a Dermatologist office. I have A LOT of moles, but have not had any (thankfully) turn out to be melanoma. My question is what do you do when you are uncomfortable about where and who is giving you care? This office is more focused on cosmetic dermatology. While I like the NP, I wish I was seeing a real doc. I have anxiety and worry they will think poorly of me if I call and say I'm switching doctors. Do you think they will care? Is it my right to switch? Or will it not even be a blip on their radar? I go there often and I worry it will look as though I'm a chronic doctor switcher. Thanks!

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    • Replies
        • June 19, 2017 at 12:00 pm
        Fen
        Participant

          Don't give it another thought.  Find a new derm and don't make any more appointments with this one.  It happens all the time.  Good for you for being vigiliant with your moles.

            • June 19, 2017 at 4:35 pm
            Girlfromohio
            Participant

              Do you think I need to explain why I'm switching or will they not even care?

            • June 19, 2017 at 12:02 pm
            SABKLYN
            Participant

              Good morning!

              i think you said it all….if you're not comfortable, research other care providers.  I'm sure there are great options between OSU and the Cleveland Clinic for starters.   

              • June 19, 2017 at 5:01 pm
              jennunicorn
              Participant

                It is totally fine to switch to a different derm. You don't need to explain yourself, you just stop making appointments with them and if you need any medical history files, you're welcome to ask for those at any time, so they will give those to you and that's it. We all have to have doctors we are comfortable with and trust, which means switching around to find the right one.. doctors are used to it, they aren't hurting for patients. 

                • June 19, 2017 at 11:15 pm
                Ridingaroundwith27Jennifers
                Participant

                  Break up with the NP and switch to an office where you are seen by the doctor.  You don't need to explain yourself at all.  Just call and get your records and move on.  I was dismissed by a dermatologist I had seen for ten years as overreacting (I had stage IV melanoma).  The NP won't take it personally.  Best wishes to you.

                  • June 20, 2017 at 9:18 am
                  stars
                  Participant

                    I would definitely jump ship. With all due respect to NPs, they are not dermatologists. Leave without a second thought.

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