Are you dissatisfied and want to switch orthodontists?
How do I switch orthodontists?
Orthodontic treatment usually lasts several years and requires regular follow-up appointments with the orthodontist. It is designed as a long-term collaborative effort. This makes a personal doctor-patient relationship based on trust all the more important. But what can be done if this doctor-patient relationship is permanently strained?
As a patient covered by both public and private insurance, you generally have the right to choose your own doctor. You also have this right during orthodontic treatment. For this reason, you have the option to change your orthodontist at any time.
It’s a good idea to meet with the new orthodontist of your choice before switching doctors. This will give you a personal impression of the doctor you’re entrusting with your care. In addition, the orthodontist can let you know whether he or she is willing to take over your treatment.
Once you have found the orthodontist you would like to switch to, let them know. For patients with public health insurance, the new orthodontist will handle all the necessary steps. He or she will notify both the health insurance provider and the “previous” orthodontist. The previous orthodontist will then forward the necessary treatment records to the new orthodontist.
Patients with private insurance should send their “old” orthodontist a written release from confidentiality, requesting that a copy of all records be sent to their “new” orthodontist. Another option is to pick up the records in person. In this case, it’s a good idea to ask for the final bill.
As soon as your new orthodontist receives the records, treatment can continue there.
