Switching doctors at GW (or another small practice)--is it too awkward?

[Anonymous]

Hi there,

I posted earlier about being 42 and having the last FET fail. We'd like to have one more appointment, just to talk about whether we should do donor eggs or just move on. I've been treated by Dr. Frankfurter for 3 years, and we really appreciate him. That said, I'd rather see Dr. Humm. When I've met her at sonos and other appointments, she's always so careful to explain exactly what's happening and to answer all questions. I find her manner really comforting. She did our FET, and so I kind of want to have an appointment with her. Is that weird? As I said, I really like Dr. Frankfurter and appreciate all he's done for us; I just find communicating with him more challenging that with Dr. Humm, even though I know their advice will likely be similar.

I don't want to be an a-hole. Anyone have a sense of whether asking for an appointment with Dr. Humm would be seen as annoying/aggressive/disrespectful? I care about not being any of those things.

[Anonymous]

I am a physician.

This is just my opinion, go with who makes you comfortable. I don’t think it’s offensive, some patients click better with others.
That being said, I haven’t gone through infertility treatments so I don’t know if there is another level of doctor-patient relationship where others could find this switch offensive.

[Anonymous]

I’m a patient of Dr. F but have seen Dr. Humm plenty of times for monitoring and she also did one of my retrievals. I think it would be fine. Just call the front desk and make the appointment. I disliked my nurse and told Dr. F i could not work with her and he switched me with no problem. Just keep in mind though that all 4 of them consult weekly on each patient and collaborate on what to do, so you’re sort of getting input from all of them already. It’s still worth it though given your preference for Dr. Humm’s communication style.

[Anonymous]

I think any awkwardness is very much outweighed by the importance of you feeling comfortable with your doctor. You will see Frankfurter again, for sure. But he’s a big boy and can handle it.

[Anonymous]

dr. frankfurter is in such demand that it would be no problem for you to see someone else. I also really don't think he would care... he seems like a reasonable person and would understand...especially if you have been with him for 3 years.

but yes remember he may still do a retrieval or procedure...is that ok with you?

[Anonymous]

No, it's definitely not weird that you want to switch to a doctor who is a better match for you. You should work with the RE in the practice who you are most comfortable with and who you are most confident in, no matter whether that is with respect to their experience, how they communicate, etc. I was a patient there last winter with one of the other female REs who turned out to be the wrong match for me and my case. I ultimately decided to change to a different clinic, but if I had stayed there--something my husband and I had several long discussions about before deciding to leave--we would have definitely switched to Dr. Humm.

[Anonymous]

I love Dr Humm and Dr F is so kind he wouldn’t mind at all if you made an appointment to see her. She could manage your meds and cycles, but you still would have no say in the drs you get to do your retrievals/FETs/etc, just luck of draw who is on call. And as you know, they all consult on every patient. That said I cannot say enough good things about Dr Humm!

[Anonymous]

i am sure he would be fine if you switched, but who cares? You are the patient. You choose.