Has anyone successfully switched neurologists within MedStar Georgetown Headache Center?

[u/Intelligent-Funny303]

I’ve been a patient at the MedStar Georgetown Headache Center since 2021, and I’m wondering whether anyone here has successfully changed neurologists within the practice.

My neurologist is Dr. Hamilton, and unfortunately I don’t feel like we are a good fit. Our communication styles don’t really mesh, and over time I’ve increasingly felt like the severity of my neurological symptoms and the amount of disability I’m experiencing are not being fully understood or taken seriously.

My condition has gotten significantly worse. I’m now spending a substantial amount of time bedridden and dealing with severe, constant head and neurological pain, so having a doctor I feel comfortable communicating with has become extremely important.

I contacted MedStar about transferring to another headache specialist within the same practice and was told that their policy does not allow patients to switch physicians. I even appealed the decision and explained how serious my situation has become, but I was still told I could not change doctors.

I’m honestly confused by this policy. I understand practices need continuity of care, but if the physician-patient relationship isn’t working, it seems strange that there would be no process for requesting another provider.

Has anyone here been treated at the Georgetown Headache Center and successfully switched neurologists, appealed this policy, or found another way to get a second opinion within MedStar? I’d especially appreciate hearing from anyone who has dealt with a similar situation.

[u/lesbottt]

I tried to do this too, the policy is so dumb but they are strict. I really like Dr Baker at GW and dr Moore at neurology center

[u/flannery_]

It is a really common, and frustrating, standard for most medical practices. You would be better off finding a neurologist outside of MedStar, if your insurance permits.

[u/Mobile-Effective-112]

Part of this is just a billing issue. If you see a different provider in the same practice, it can’t be billed as a new patient visit. It has to be a follow up visit even though it’s going to take the same time as a new patient visit.

[u/badxmojo]

This is mind-boggling you can’t switch providers? Their patient satisfaction scores must be in the toilet.

[u/tealccart → u/badxmojo]

This is actually not uncommon! I’ve heard the Neurology Center has the same policy

[u/badxmojo → u/tealccart]

That’s interesting. I’ve never heard of this before. Place like Kaiser Permanente you can switch doctors if you feel necessary. I guess since they are the payer, it doesn’t really matter for them whether it’s a new visit or not.

[u/HollaDude → u/tealccart]

Yes they do, and it’s so annoying. Plus coupled with their idiotic no messages policy, makes them the world’s biggest pain to deal with. I need to switch.

[u/tealccart → u/HollaDude]

I switched due to lack of portal (among other issues) which, frankly, was insane

[u/Consistent-Orchid166]

I honestly just switched to another neurology company , I went to Lafayette center and they were like you need to fill out a form to switch providers which I think is insane

[u/pekeqpeke]

Try the Neurology Center on K Street, they have a few headache specialists that are very good.

[u/Active_Reception_517]

Maybe you can see an NP like I do? There is a satellite branch at Chevy Chase and I get headache injections there. I even got my brain surgery referral from my NP there.

[u/Active_Reception_517 → u/Active_Reception_517]

I see Laura Xanders and I grt migraines and occipital neuralgia. I had trigeminal neuralgia and then surgery for it which was successful

[u/Apodnotarobot → u/Active_Reception_517]

I've also seen Laura Xanders. She's great, but she's in Chevy Chase which can be a hike.

[u/Active_Reception_517 → u/Apodnotarobot]

Yes, I am so lucky to be able to get to her