Can a psychiatrist cancel my appointment to get my prescriptions refilled because I now have insurance and only give me a 15 day notice?
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Can a psychiatrist cancel my appointment to get my prescriptions refilled because I now have insurance and only give me a 15 day notice?
I’ve been seeing a psychiatrist at family counseling center for the past 6 years to get my anti-depressant and script for ADHD. They accept people who do not have insurance. I recently got on Medicaid and I have my next appointment with my doctor in about 2 weeks. They just called me 3 days ago and told me they were canceling my appointment because I have insurance now. Can they legally do that without giving me 30 days notice and not having another doctor lined up to get my medicine from?
Asked on May 15, 2018 under Malpractice Law, Missouri
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
A doctor or practice has no obligation to make sure that you have another doctor lined up, and they are allowed to discontinue having you as a patient if you cannot pay, which includes not paying cash if that's how they operate, or if you have insurance and they have dedicated themselves to carrying for those without insurance. The law does not require doctors, therapists, counselors, etc. to see any given or particular patient, and does not guaranty you the right to a seamless transition from one practice to another.
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