How to Change Doctors When Moving to a New Home

Have you recently moved and started looking for a new primary care doctor in your new area?

Relocating comes with many challenges, and maintaining consistent medical care is one of the most important — but often overlooked — tasks.

Whether you’re managing chronic conditions or staying up to date with preventive care, switching doctors after a move is crucial for protecting your long-term health.

In this article, we'll discuss how to find the right physician, and how to make the transition as smooth as possible.

You'll discover key steps that will help safeguard your health and keep your medical care on track.

We’ll walk you through everything from researching potential doctors and verifying credentials to transferring prescriptions and organizing medical records.

By the end, you’ll feel confident in your ability to navigate the healthcare system in your new home and continue to receive personalized care that meets your needs. 

3 Ways to Find a New Doctor in Your Area

Finding a new doctor in your area can feel overwhelming, especially when you're unfamiliar with the local healthcare options. However, there are ways to help combat this feeling.

1. Research Your Options

Start your search by using online directories, Google searches, and review sites to compile a list of potential doctors.

Moving is a great opportunity to take a fresh look at what you want from your primary care experience. Are you satisfied with the type of care you’ve been receiving? Or do you need a different approach, like a more personalized, relationship-focused model.

Review sites can offer valuable insights into healthcare professionals in your area, including details on their specialties, patient experiences, and how they handle care.

Look for doctors who align with your health priorities, whether it’s accessibility, preventive care, or support for specific health goals.

2. Ask For Recommendations

Tap into your network for recommendations. Talk to friends, family, or colleagues who live in your new area; their insights can lead you to trustworthy healthcare providers.  

Additionally, consider consulting your current doctor for referrals to reputable colleagues in your new location. They may have connections with doctors who share your health philosophy and approach.

3. Check Credentials and Reviews

Once you have a list of potential doctors, verifying their credentials is essential. Confirm that the doctors you’re considering are board-certified in their specialties, which indicates they have met the necessary training and education standards.

Read patient reviews online to get insights into others' experiences. Pay special attention to feedback regarding the patient-doctor relationship and the level of personalized care provided.

3 Things to Look For in a New Doctor Finding

A new doctor is about more than just location. It's important to consider several factors that impact on your healthcare experience.

1. Proximity and Accessibility

When searching for a new doctor, consider the proximity and accessibility of their office. A conveniently located practice can save you time and reduce stress, especially during busy days.

It’s important to check if the practices you’re considering have physicians accepting new patients. This will help you avoid any issues with limited availability. Also, make sure to contact the practice directly to ask about their typical wait times for appointments.

Knowing how quickly a doctor can see you is key to getting your healthcare needs addressed in a timely manner.

Asking these questions upfront can save you time and help you find a provider who meets both your scheduled and health needs. It can also give you insight into what kind of experience they will provide.

2. Specialization and Experience

Identify your specific medical needs when choosing a doctor. If you have chronic conditions or particular health concerns, selecting a physician with expertise in those areas can be beneficial.

Choosing between an internal medicine physician and a family medicine physician can be confusing. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Internal Medicine Physicians (Internists)

• Focus: Internists are experts in adult healthcare, specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of complex conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension.
• Scope: Internists typically serve as primary care doctors for adults but do not treat children. They’re often consulted for managing chronic illnesses and complex medical conditions in adults.

Family Medicine Physicians

• Focus: Family physicians provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors. They handle everything from routine checkups to chronic disease management.
• Scope: Family doctors offer care for the whole family, addressing health needs across all stages of life, including preventive care, acute illnesses, and chronic disease management.

While their training was slightly different, one isn't necessarily better than the other. You can expect quality care from both.

3. Doctor-patient Relationship

The quality of the patient-doctor relationship is crucial. Finding a doctor who listens attentively and invests time in your health can make a significant difference in your overall experience.

It is a good time to recommend asking about length of appointments to gauge whether you will have the time to build a personal relationship with your doctor.  

3 Steps to Transition to a New Doctor

Switching to a new doctor involves several key steps that can help make the process smoother. By taking these pre-steps, your transition can go from overwhelming to short and sweet.

1. Gather Your Medical Records

Before your first appointment with a new doctor, plan to have your medical records transferred. Sharing your medical history, test results, and current medications can make the transition smoother.

Transferring medical records between providers is extremely common, and many practices, including PartnerMD, assist new patients by handling this process directly.

When vetting new providers, ask about their approach to managing records so you’ll know what to prepare and whether they take care of any of the legwork for you.

2. Schedule an Introductory Appointment

Consider scheduling an introductory appointment to determine if a new doctor is the right fit for you. This meet-and-greet or consultation lets you get to know the doctor and assess whether their approach aligns with your healthcare needs.

3. Transfer Prescriptions

Updating your pharmacy information is another key step in transitioning to a new doctor. Your new physician will likely want to review any current prescriptions before reissuing them, as it’s good medical practice to assess a new patient’s medication needs carefully.

Be prepared to discuss your prescriptions in detail, and work with your new doctor’s office to transfer any active prescriptions, helping to avoid interruptions in your medication.

Your Health Doesn't Have to Pause When You Move

Moving to a new area is an exciting but often overwhelming experience, especially when finding a new doctor. It’s also a great time to think about what you really want in a primary care physician and whether it might be time to explore an alternative model, like direct pay or concierge medicine, that prioritizes your unique needs.

By taking steps like researching options, checking credentials, and arranging a smooth transfer of your medical records, you can prioritize your health. With personalized care options like those offered by PartnerMD, you don’t have to navigate this process alone.

Your health deserves the best care, no matter where you live. Take control of your healthcare journey today by finding a trusted physician who understands your needs and values long-term doctor-patient relationships.

Want to learn more about concierge medicine? Download our Understanding Concierge Medicine eBook.