Are you struggling to find a new primary care doctor and unsure where to start? Do you feel overwhelmed by the options and concerned about finding the right fit for your healthcare needs?
Regardless of the exact reason, you’ve seen one of the signs that it’s time to find a new primary care physician, and you’re ready to find a solution.
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.
In this article, we'll guide you through six essential steps to finding a new primary care physician, ensuring you receive the best possible care tailored to your needs.
We will cover evaluating different primary care models, what to consider when choosing a physician, and the importance of referrals and interviews.
By the end, you'll be equipped with all the information needed to make an informed decision and start a new, positive relationship with your healthcare provider.
There are several models to consider in primary care, several of which have popped up in recent years. If you’ve had the same PCP for decades, it’s likely some options weren’t even available the last time you were looking for a new physician.
Of course, there’s the traditional primary care model. That’s what most people are used to. While it’s the most common, if you’ve been dissatisfied with the care or experience you’ve received, it could be more because of the model than a particular physician.
In today’s healthcare system, traditional primary care physicians are forced to carry large patient panels – 2,000+ patients – to generate enough insurance reimbursements to keep the lights on.
It’s what leads to long waits for appointments or in the lobby or waiting room, and it’s what leads to impersonalized, rushed care. It’s just hard for doctors to have the time.
However, there are alternatives to traditional primary care.
So, the first step is to consider the model. If you haven’t been able to find the right PCP, it might not be the doctor’s fault.
The model might actually be the root of your issue. And you don’t have to choose just one right away. If you’re open to alternative models, start exploring.
Most primary care physicians are highly educated and well-trained. But they have some differences that may or may not play a role in your decision.
Maybe these differences factor into your decision, maybe they don’t. But by thinking about them in advance, you can start to narrow down your search for a specific physician.
Are you looking for a specific location – maybe close to home or close to work? Or are you willing to drive a little bit for the right doctor?
When is the office open? Do they offer early morning or late afternoon appointments?
Some offices are closed one day per week. Does that day align with your own schedule?
How long does it take to make an appointment? How long does it take the doctor to call you back? What’s the waiting room like?
These are the basics that will make accessing your care either easier or harder, and all these things may play a role in your decision.
According to a 2024 report from KFF Health News, more than 100 million Americans — nearly one-third of the population — don't have a primary care physician. Some people have one they don’t really like.
Other people love their primary care physician. Take advantage of having these people in your life.
Referrals remain a reliable source of information, whether it’s from your family, friends, neighbors, or colleagues. At the very least, it can be a good starting point to generate a list of options. Or it could help you end your search quickly.
Talking to people you trust can be especially helpful if you’re considering one of the alternative primary care models – concierge medicine, direct pay primary care, urgent care, or online only.
They have firsthand experience of what that model is like and can be valuable in guiding you in the right direction.
Note: If not, there are several doctor directories and Top Doctor lists available, depending on where you are located. Google searches for “primary care near me” or, if you’re considering alternative models, “concierge medicine near me” can also be a good starting point.
You’ve found a potential new primary care physician. They seem to be the right kind of doctor at the right type of practice for you.
Request a meeting with them in advance. Some physicians may not have the time to meet with a potential new patient, which can be a telling sign.
Others do, and you can use that opportunity to gauge whether they are truly the right fit. If not, you can keep looking until you find the right primary care physician for you.
Once you’ve selected your new primary care physician, it’s time to get the transition process going.
You want your new physician to have all the resources available to inform your care, so make sure to request that your former practice transfer your medical records to your new practice.
Some practices will do this for you, while others will require you to do so.
It can seem like an awkward ask of your former practice. But it’s standard protocol. Practices deal with it all the time, so don’t sweat it.
By this point, you should be ready to schedule your first appointment with your new primary care physician.
Finding a new primary care physician can be challenging, but following these six essential steps ensures you receive the best care.
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.
Exploring concierge medicine might be worthwhile if you're considering a new primary care physician. This personalized care model offers benefits like shorter wait times and comprehensive attention.
However, you might have questions about the cost, pros and cons, and overall value of concierge medicine. Whether you’re wondering about the cost of concierge medicine, the pros and cons of concierge medicine, or why people choose concierge medicine, we’re here to help.