How to Change Doctors

There are many reasons why you might it find it necessary to change doctors-your health care needs may change and you need a specialist or someone more experienced in your specific issues, you may move and want someone more conveniently located, or you may have chosen a doctor under duress or with a certain health insurance plan and now find you need to find another one who you like and respect more, or who is associated or "covered" by a new health plan. Whatever the reason, making a change regarding your family doctor can be a daunting and time-consuming task. Here are some tips for changing doctors...

Once you've determined that you definitely need to make a change, regardless of the reason, keep in mind what it is you're looking for as you choose a new doctor. Your choices may be limited depending on your health insurance plan, but you can still take the time to decide if you want a doctor who is located in a specific neighborhood or part of town, a doctor who is near other medical facilities and amenities, one who is a male or female, etc. Other considerations might be how easy it is to get in touch with the doctor's office if you need to make an appointment or get advice. You'll want to find out if your questions and concerns will be answered by the nursing staff or a physician, and how quickly you will be attended to at the new doctor's office.

Feel free to actually visit offices and call around to do your research before choosing a new doctor. Gathering referrals and recommendations from friends, family and coworkers can be another way of searching for just the right new doctor. Make sure that whoever you choose is actually accepting new patients and will be covered by your health insurance plan.

You do not really owe your current a physician an explanation as to why you are making a change unless you want to. If service delivery has been a problem, you may want to share this with the doctor, but if you are changing due to an insurance change or move-doctors are quite used to this sort of thing. When you request your medical records, you will likely deal with the office staff or you can have your records requested and sent directly by your new doctor's office staff. However, it is a good idea to get a copy yourself to make sure everything is complete and up-to-date prior to making the move (this is especially important if you are moving to a different town, state or country.)

Changing doctors need not be an overwhelming chore. If you can take your time and do the research in finding your new doctor, you'll be more likely to be satisfied and provide for uninterrupted service with your new physician. You may want to make an initial consultation appointment with your newly chosen doctor just to provide information and make sure your charts and records are accurate, as well as introduce yourself to the new doctor and the staff.