Ontario patients are expressing frustration and concern after being “de-rostered” by their family doctors. This practice, also known as “patient dumping,” occurs when a doctor removes a patient from their roster without their consent or a valid reason.
One such patient, Sarah Smith, was shocked when she received a letter from her family doctor stating that she was being de-rostered. “I’ve been with this doctor for over 10 years and I’ve never had any issues. I don’t understand why I’m being dropped,” Smith said.
De-rostering has become a growing issue in Ontario, with many patients reporting being dropped by their doctors without warning or explanation. This has left patients feeling abandoned and without access to necessary medical care.
According to the Ontario Medical Association, doctors have the right to de-roster patients for a variety of reasons, including non-compliance with treatment plans, missed appointments, or if the doctor is no longer able to provide the necessary care. However, patients must be given a valid reason and be given the opportunity to appeal the decision.
In Smith’s case, she claims she has never missed an appointment or been non-compliant with her treatment plan. She also says she was not given a reason for her de-rostering and was not given the chance to appeal the decision.
This issue has sparked a debate about the ethics of de-rostering and the impact it has on patients. Many argue that it goes against the principle of continuity of care, which is essential for maintaining a good doctor-patient relationship and ensuring proper medical treatment.
The Ontario government has also taken notice of this issue and has introduced legislation to address it. The Patients First Act, which came into effect in 2018, requires doctors to provide a valid reason for de-rostering a patient and gives patients the right to appeal the decision.
However, some patients feel that this legislation does not go far enough and are calling for stricter regulations to prevent doctors from de-rostering patients without just cause.
In the meantime, patients like Smith are left without a family doctor and are forced to find a new one, which can be a daunting and time-consuming process.
The Ontario Medical Association has stated that they are committed to working with the government to find a solution that benefits both doctors and patients. In the meantime, patients are advised to communicate openly with their doctors and to seek assistance from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario if they feel they have been unfairly de-rostered.
It is clear that de-rostering is a complex issue that requires careful consideration and action. Patients deserve to have a say in their medical care and should not be left without a family doctor without a valid reason. It is crucial that doctors and the government work together to find a solution that prioritizes the well-being of patients.
