For various reasons, patients may wish to transfer to another family physician. It is in the best interest of patients, physicians and the Clinic that the patient/doctor relationship be positive.

If a patient is not happy with their family physician, patients are encouraged to speak with their family physician directly about any concerns they may have.

Glazier Medical Centre does not a have a specific policy regarding the switching from one family physician to another, however the patient will need to ask a physician to take them on as a patient and the new physician will have to agree to the transfer request. Please note that even if a family physician is taking on new patients, they may personally have a policy that precludes them from taking on patients of another physician within the clinic or patients who already have a physician in the community.   The administration of the clinic cannot compel a physician to take on a patient or foster a switch between physicians.   This can only be done amongst the two physicians involved and the patient.

When considering a transfer or request to another physician, patients should be aware:

• Physicians at Glazier Medical Centre work in a collaborative team environment to provide the best patient care possible. A patient may see a physician other than their own in our Urgent Care department if their physician is not available. And, although a patient may leave one physician for another, the original physician may still be involved in their care and the patient may still have to interact with them
  
  
• It is difficult for a physician to provide objective medical care in the patient’s best interest, especially in situations in which their professional opinion conflicts with a patient’s request. A common situation in which this occurs is when a patient requests a prescription renewal for a controlled medication (such as a narcotic) and the physician’s professional opinion is that this is not safe or appropriate.   Patients may be disappointed when they switch physicians, expecting different diagnosis, decisions on ordering of tests or prescribing certain treatments only to find that the new physician holds the same opinion as their original physician.
  
  
• If a patient is not happy with how their family physician is providing care and wish an independent second opinion, the best option is to seek an opinion from a physician a different clinic altogether.   There are many medical offices/walk-in clinics in the area willing to see patients.
  
  
• Patients also have the choice of registering with Health Care Connect (once the relationship has ended) and they may be able to help match a patient to a physician who is accepting patients.
  
  
• If a patient has been barred from the Centre due to abusive, violent, intimidating or threatening behaviour, to protect the safety of all our staff and physicians, requesting another physician at the Centre will not be permitted.