Struggling to Find a New Primary Care Doctor? Here are 6 Steps to Make the Switch (Without the Stress)

Finding a new primary care doctor can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’ve moved recently. Maybe your current doctor doesn’t feel like the right fit anymore. Or maybe you’re just looking for a healthcare experience where you feel truly heard and cared for.

Whatever your reason, the search for a new doctor shouldn’t leave you feeling lost. With the right approach, you can find a physician who not only meets your medical needs but also feels like the right match for your healthcare journey.

As a concierge primary care practice, we've talked to thousands of patients for over 20 years who are in the middle of a search for a doctor. 

We’re going to break this process down into six clear, manageable steps — so you can find the right primary care doctor with confidence.

By the end of this article, you’ll know how to:

• Understand the different types of care models.
• Clarify what qualities matter most in a physician.
• Get personal recommendations from people you trust.
• Research the practice's operations and care approach.  
• Meet potential doctors to make sure they’re the right fit.
• Transfer your medical records without any headaches.

Let’s get started. 

Step 1: Explore different types of primary care – What’s best for you? 

Before diving into your search, it helps to know what kind of care experience you’re actually looking for. Not all primary care doctors work under the same model, and the setup can make a big difference in how you’re treated.

• Traditional primary care is the most common model. It’s often insurance-based, with doctors managing large patient panels — sometimes 2,000+ patients. While many traditional physicians are excellent, the reality of this model often means shorter visits, longer waits for appointments, and limited follow-up care simply because doctors are stretched thin.
  
  
• Concierge medicine, on the other hand, offers a more personal approach. Doctors see fewer patients (typically 400-600), which means longer appointments, same-day or next-day availability, and a focus on preventive care. It’s a membership-based model where patients pay an annual fee for better access and more time with their physician.
  
  
• Direct pay primary care is similar but operates entirely outside the insurance system. You pay directly for services rather than going through your insurance provider. It offers simplicity but requires separate coverage for emergencies or specialist care.
  
  
• Urgent care clinics and online-only providers can be convenient but often aren’t ideal for long-term care relationships.

Thinking about how you want your care delivered — whether it’s personalized, fast access, or simply a doctor nearby — can help you figure out the best path forward. 

Step 2: Clarify what really matters to you in a primary care doctor

Finding the right doctor isn’t just about who has the most credentials or best reviews. It’s about finding someone you’re comfortable with — someone you can trust with your health for the long run.

Take a moment to think about what matters most to you.

Do you want a doctor who takes the time to really listen? Someone who focuses on wellness and prevention instead of just treating issues as they arise? Maybe location matters most, or finding a physician who can offer flexible appointment times to fit your schedule.

You might also want to consider:

• Family medicine vs. internal medicine: Family doctors treat all ages, while internists focus on adult care.
• Doctor’s background: Do you prefer a male or female physician? A M.D. or a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy)?
• Care style: Do you want a proactive, wellness-focused doctor — or someone who sticks strictly to treatment?

Clarifying these preferences can help you avoid frustration later. Remember, this is your health — you deserve care that fits your needs, not the other way around.

Step 3: Ask for recommendations (Because good primary care doctors come highly recommended)

One of the easiest ways to find a great primary care physician is to ask people you trust.

Start with your friends, family, and colleagues. Ask them:

• “Do you feel heard during appointments?”
• “Is scheduling easy and convenient?”
• “Would you recommend your doctor without hesitation?”

If you’re moving, your current physician might also be a helpful resource. Doctors often have professional networks and can recommend someone with a similar care philosophy.

And if personal recommendations are limited? Try searching “best primary care doctor near me” or checking platforms like Healthgrades or Google Reviews. Just be sure to focus on patterns in feedback — not isolated opinions.

Step 4: Research the primary care practice (It’s worth it)

Once you have a shortlist of doctors, it’s time to do some research.

Start by visiting their practice websites. Do they talk about their care philosophy? How they approach patient relationships? The tone they use can tell you a lot about what kind of experience you can expect.

Online reviews can also offer helpful insights — but look for consistent themes rather than one-off complaints. Pay attention to comments about:

• How easy it is to get an appointment.
• Whether patients feel heard and respected.
• The friendliness and professionalism of the staff.

And don’t forget the practical details — confirm whether the practice accepts your insurance or, if you’re considering concierge medicine, ask about membership fees and included services.

A quick call to the office can clarify a lot and help you avoid surprises.

Step 5: Meet the primary care doctor before you commit

If you’ve narrowed down your options, consider scheduling a consultation before fully committing.

This is your chance to get a feel for the doctor’s style and whether they’re a good match for your health goals. Pay attention to how they communicate. Do they listen? Ask thoughtful questions? Seem rushed?

You can also ask questions like:

• “What’s your approach to preventive care?”
• “How long do appointments typically last?”
• “What’s the process for follow-up if I have questions after my visit?”

The goal here isn’t perfection — it’s finding a doctor who feels like the right partner in your health. 

Step 6: Transfer your medical records (It’s easier than you think)

Once you’ve chosen your new primary care doctor, the last step is making sure they have all the information they need to provide great care.

Contact your previous doctor’s office to request a medical record transfer. Some practices will handle the transfer for you, while others may require you to sign a release form. Many offices can also send records electronically to speed up the process.

Pro Tip: It’s also a good idea to keep a personal copy of your records for reference — especially if you have ongoing health concerns.

Ready to take the next step?

Switching doctors can feel like a big decision, but it’s also a chance to take control of your health.

Evaluating primary care models, identifying key physician qualities, considering practical aspects, leveraging personal referrals, interviewing potential doctors, and transferring medical records are all crucial steps in this process. 

If you’re ready to learn about how you can obtain a better healthcare experience — where your doctor knows you, listens to you, and prioritizes your well-being — PartnerMD is here to help.

Download our free “Understanding Concierge Medicine” guide to understand the features, fees, and other particulars of concierge care.