My mother, age 83, does not hold her doctor accountable for bad care and customer service. She thinks because he has been her doctor for 15 years that she must stay with him even though he is partially responsible for her recent hospitalization. My sister and I are very frustrated because she continues to put up with his apathetic style no matter how many time we tell her his behavior is NOT acceptable.
Man, I can understand your frustration Jools! There's something about that generation that just doesn't question the care doctors and their offices provide.
I wonder if your mom is intimidated about starting over with a new doctor. Have you talked with her about getting her records transferred? I've talked with my own parents are getting second opinions and seeing different docs and it's almost as if the thought overwhelms them more than I think the actual process would.
Some doctors will do a consultation or conference when a new patient is considering them. You, of course, would pay for it like any normal visit, but maybe you mom would be willing to give someone new a try if she didn't have to make the committment to change on the first visit.
Good luck!
We had the same issue with my very loyal dad. He's 82 and trusted his doctor more than he should have. We got lucky - we got him to meet another - serendipitously, (a way better one), and Dad promptly liked the new one just as much.
Maybe, if you can find a doctor who comes recommended, you can somehow arrange an appt. with this new doctor (like say that this other one was the only one available). It's possible she'll switch over after a good experience. I also know that Dad was more comfortable with men, not women, and the older the better for him. We got lucky, but you might be able to choose someone you think she'll like, and maybe it will work out..
I sure know this is a common problem. Good luck!
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