or maybe I don't need a new dentist

[redbird]

I called my dentist's office yesterday, and left a message asking about the "partial" dental device they're making for me. The receptionist called back this morning, and told me that the lab did something wrong and will have to remake it, so it will be a week or two, "OK?" I said no, not OK, they're closing that office and I can't go out to Marlborough. Vitaly then told me that they aren't closing that office. They've sold the practice, and the same staff will still be working there, but they are legally required to send out that sort of letter.

It seems odd that they would be required to send their patients a letter saying "we're closing, here are referrals to three different places, none of them in Watertown," and not allowed to include "or you can keep seeing Dr. So-and-so, at [new office name], which will be taking over the current location in Watertown." So I am relieved but also annoyed.

Comments

[otter]

Oh my, that is some sort of messed up.

[calimac]

Probably because the new dentist in the old office is legally a different business, and there are laws against businesses "poaching" customers on their own initiative. However, if customers initiate an inquiry, it's OK.

[joseph_teller]

Dentistry and the rules/regs etc. involving them is a complex maze apparently, some of it imposed on them by their associations, others by the state and more by the insurance companies.

[beatrice_otter]

That is ... really odd.