Patient Discharge From Medical Provider

I believe a doctor has the right to refuse treatment to anyone they choose. My daughter who is 20 now was diagnosed when she was 10 for type 1. She was good until she reached about 17 and then stopped taking care of herself and would lie about her insulin and her readings. when we take her to the doctor we couldnt figure out why her numbers were still high. Duh!!!! after about a year of this, the doctor would not treat her anymore....we found another doctor but by then she's 18 and doing the same thing. she wont take care of herself so that doctor dismissed her as well.

I hope your friend had their levels under control that may be the reason why

Yeah...you see this actually a lot with chronic illnesses (like diabetes). What I've seen is that if a doc feels they cannot help the patient (or they are not following what the doc says), they will no longer treat them.

Luckily, I've never had this problem. However, I do suggest your friend call the doc/facility and DEMAND a referral. If they will not treat him/her, the doc needs to give your friend other options. Even if the Ha1C or numbers are a little shakey, I would imagine they need to help her/him find something else. And yes...your friend needs make sure the numbers are under control. No doctor is going to take on an unstable patient. And, health insurance can take away coverage if the diabetes is not under control also. Diabetic NEED that insurance! Desperately! So, the blood sugar needs to be good.

Was this an endocrinologist? Or, diabetes educator? Do you know what the title of this doc was? That will help find a replacement.

Ketoret, I had the same experience as your daughter. It's REALLY tough during this time. I was diagnosed when I was 4, and I rebelled from ages 12-17 with my numbers. And, college is just HORRIBLE for diabetes. Does your daughter have a set schedule in her life? Once I got a career in teaching, my diabetes has been turned on it's head- I'm being praised for my ability to stay under control. A stable environment and schedule is very important.

I think the Dr. should still be giving you a reason for no longer treating you even if they think you are not taking care of yourself. If you were taking good care of yourself and your numbers were really good, and you had no complications, why would you be going to a Dr. in the first place? I would think that if you are having problems, that is when you need support the most, right?

Generally, Dr's will try and work with you on problems. I haven't been through many, but I've had a tough time with diabetes. They were all very willing to work with me, despite my issues.

If you are chronically falling off the horse (as they say) and not following the dr's directions, why would they continue treating you? As someone told me, it's like beating their head against a brick if you aren't following their directions.

And...diabetics need to see an endocronologist/general practictioner every 4-6 months, regardless of the care of their diabetes. These past 3 months, I've seen 4 diff docs (eye, teeth, dietician, endo). Yes, you should be seeing people if you are having problems, but if you're not willing to be helped...why should they help?