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My neurologist’s office reached out to me to inform me my neurologist was no longer with the practice. They wanted to know if I was interested in scheduling an appointment with one of the other neurologists in their practice. I have been with my current neurologist for more than 13 years, so needless to say, this was a bit of a shock.

Full disclosure, my neurologist just celebrated his 80th birthday, so this is a topic I have been thinking about in case he decides to retire. Luckily, I found out that my neurologist didn’t retire, but he did change practices, so I had to get reestablished as a patient at his new clinic. Still, I started to think about the reasons why a person would want to change neurologists. I reflected on the conversations I have had with other people living with MS, as well as on my days working at the neuroscience clinic as to why people would leave a practice. 

Below are the top ten reasons it might be time to choose a new neurologist (in no particular order):

You don’t feel heard during your office visits. If you have questions that you feel aren’t being answered, it may be time to see a new neurologist.

You don’t feel you can talk to your neurologist about sensitive topics such as sex or bathroom difficulties. People living with MS can experience sexual dysfunction or troubles using the bathroom. If you do not feel like you can talk about these topics with your doctor, then it may be time to see a new neurologist.

You have a different gender preference for your neurologist. Whether you prefer a male or female doctor, if you have this preference, then you may not be as open with your neurologist if they are not your preferred gender.

Your neurologist no longer accepts your insurance. If your doctor no longer participates with your insurance network, then each visit will be considered out-of-network and you may have greater out-of-pocket costs. Consult your health plan to ensure your neurologist is in network.

The office staff is not easy to work with or reliable. Living with MS requires a lot of care coordination. If the office staff of your neurologist does not stay on top of prior authorizations and referrals, there could be a delay in your care and it may be time to see a new neurologist.

You do not feel like you are being educated to new treatment options. With all the new MS treatments, a neurologist can really personalize care. If you have questions about MS treatments and you don’t feel like you are getting the right answers, it may be time to see a new neurologist. 

Your neurologist doesn’t specialize in MS. Neurologists can be generalists or specialists, if your neurologist does not specialize in MS, it may be time to find a new neurologist. 

You moved. Your neurologist office is no longer convenient or practical to get to.

Your neurologist moved. Their new practice is no longer convenient or practical to get to.

Your neurologist retired.