Changing Doctors: A Guide for the Transition

People go to new doctors for various reasons. Personality clashes, bad information and need for specialized care are some. Whatever the reason, there are things you should do to prepare for the transition from the old doctor to the new.

· Inform your old doctor of the change and have a copy of your records sent to the new doctor. It is also a good idea to get a copy of the records for your personal file. Do this at least a month before the change in doctors if possible. It takes the doctor's office some time to get your complete file copied and sent to the new doctor.

· Write down any concerns and symptoms you wish to talk with the new doctor about. When changing doctors you will be a little apprehensive because you have to learn a new doctor's temperament and treatment protocol. Writing down questions and symptoms will ensure you don't forget anything important that should be gone over during the visit. This also gives you somewhere to write information down. Anything the new doctor says about your concerns can be jotted down on the symptom list you bring.

· Make the new doctor a list of your medical conditions. This list will come in handy in case your medical records have not arrived from the old doctor yet. The new doctor will go over the conditions with you and put the list in your file. It's a great way to get the ball rolling toward proper treatment and communication between you and the new doctor.

· Take a list of all medications you use. The list needs to contain prescription and non-prescription medications. Your new doctor will need to know everything you are taking so he doesn't give you any new prescriptions that will interact with the old. He may also want to make some medication changes.

· Keep an open mind. Don't take any resentment left over from the old doctor to the new appointment. A bad experience with one doctor can lead to distrust of others. Try to keep this from happening. Give the new doctor a chance to help you.

The main things are to have all information available that is need for a thorough first appointment with a new doctor, and to let go of all preconceived notions. Look at changing doctors as a good thing. Make the experience worthwhile and get the most possible out of it. Help yourself by making the transition as smooth as possible.