On the advice of my gynecologist, I (female, 52) had to start taking hormone replacement drugs. But my GP refused to prescribe those medicines because she is against hormone preparations. I got them through the gynecologist. I no longer trust my GP, but in my hometown it is difficult to find another. How should I proceed now?
Joris Bartstra, journalist with medical diploma
Not trusting your doctor is very undesirable, especially as you get older. Suppose you have something serious, then your GP remains the first point of contact and your access to almost all other care. You should feel completely at ease with someone in such an important position. In theory, it should always be possible to change GPs, but in practice it is often difficult. I don’t think your GP will just change. However, you do have to talk to her. This can be done by presenting the problem and keeping it to yourself as much as possible. For example: “I’m afraid I’ll start doubting whether I’m in good hands with you if I might have something serious”, and then: “How can we solve this together?” For example, you can agree that if you are in doubt, your GP will refer you to another doctor without objection. In any case, it is important that your doctor knows that you have this, whatever you agree to. If you cannot find a solution together, your health insurer should mediate in the search for another general practitioner.
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