Dear Annie: I was wondering if this seems inappropriate to you. I’d love your opinion.

I had been a patient at my doctor’s office for over 30 years. I had not been happy with my treatment for years, but it became worse when they moved to a new office with a new staff. Almost a year after they moved, I was being told to keep being patient. I had been sent to the wrong place to get tests and at the wrong time (or even the wrong day) for other appointments. I never complained.

It got even worse during the pandemic. One day, I got a call from the caregiver telling me not to yell at their staff (which I hadn’t done) and not to call again. It seems their staff said I had called a lot. I called twice because they told me to call. Right then, I made up my mind to find another doctor once the pandemic was over.

I posted on social media about wanting to find a new doctor when the pandemic was over, but I never mentioned the doctor or office by name. I have many doctors because of my health. My social media accounts are private, and you have to be my friend to see my posts. Well, here is the weird thing: A former employee of their office friended me. No problem, or so I thought until I got sick and had to go to the office. When I went, I was once again yelled at and forbidden to speak. They told me that their former employee allowed them access to my page, and they all had looked at all of my posts. They were upset that I had said that I wanted a new doctor when this pandemic was over. As they were shouting at me, they said I had to find a new doctor and good luck finding one. I found one within a couple of weeks. One problem is they only would give me a few pages of my records for me going there for over 30 years.

I believe it was a violation of my privacy that they spied on my social media. What do you think? — Kicked Out by my Doctor

Dear Kicked Out: This sounds more like a middle school gossip session than a professional medical establishment. Of course you have the right to seek treatment elsewhere if you are unsatisfied with your current doctor. The fact that they are gossiping and scolding you about it says far more about them than you.

I would politely but firmly demand your medical records — that’s your right as a patient — and then move forward with your new doctor. You will probably have better luck if you drive over there and do it in person.

And remember: Social media is a great tool, but always assume that whatever you post is, more or less, public information — even from a private account.

View prior ‘Dear Annie’ columns

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