I had a root canal procedure with Dr. Morris, and unfortunately, it was not a success. The tooth remained infected and the infection quickly spread to the neighboring tooth. For weeks, my GD believed the pain was caused by my new crown, however, the moment I began suffering unquestionable symptoms of root canal failure, I was advised to return to Dr. Morris "as soon as possible," which I did.
During the visit, Dr. Morris offered several options to remedy my failed root canal and infected teeth. I choose one of his options for treatment and booked the procedure.
However, the more I dwelled on the treatment options, the more uncertain I became about my choice, and I decided to seek a second opinion to confirm I had made the best decision.
The next day, I called his office and informed Dr. Morris' team that I would keep my procedure date so that he could address the issue at hand, however, if my second opinion could make a strong argument for a different treatment option, I would ask Dr, Morris to proceed otherwise.The following was his response:
"Effective immediately,"
"Dr. Morris will no longer treat you as a patient, because you are seeking a second opinion and this indicates you no longer have faith in him."
Also,
"This is a small field, and many of these endodontists are good friends. After you leave your second opinion, Dr. Morris will most likely get a call from whomever you've seen- and he'll know what transpired "
The above was delivered to me, on Dr. Morris' behalf by Jennifer Perry, Dr. Morris' office manager. He never spoke with me personally; it was quite dehumanizing.
For context, I am a returning patient of fourteen years, who has never once disagreed with Dr. Morris, spoken unkindly with him, questioned his talents, or missed an appointment.
I can write with complete confidence, that until this moment, we had enjoyed an excellent provider/patient relationship, and it was indeed unsettling to be completely disconnected from the physician who had recently performed the procedure that was now causing unbearable discomfort and abnormal symptoms.
Additionally, no faith was ever lost in Dr. Morris' abilities; in fact, everything I said and did during this time renders that claim fallacious. Moreover, a physician that terminates a patient based on a "lack of faith" argument is disingenuous. The medical professional who makes this statement assumes he is infallible, godlike and perfect, and truly, that type of behavior no longer has no place in modern medicine; it has been long replaced by healthy, cooperative, physician/ patient partnerships.
I want others in the community to know that there is value in consulting with more than one specialist when making tough choices. Informing oneself thoroughly, leaves no room for regret.
Second opinions are wise and are encouraged by The American Medical Association and The American Dental Association. In fact, the ADA's policy on second opinions is located in their Principals of Ethics and Code of Conduct. Imagine that.
Providers who punish their patients for seeking out second opinions are both derelict in their duty to promote best possible outcomes and are unethical for dissuading patient's from seeking out alternative medical advice and/or opinions.
How devastating the consequences for the patient who does not seek out a second opinion because of the fear they associate with a past provider termination.
Imagine the devastation a poor outcome or a missed diagnosis would have on one's health for skipping the second opinion. Imagine this happening to a parent or grandparent because he/she is afraid they may lose their provider when they need them most.
Indeed, only a real cad could turn a sound medical practice into a gaslight. A compassionate, trustworthy doctor will never behave like this-not even close.
Dear friends, choose wisely.
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