Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhen to ChangeFinding a New DoctorSwitching DoctorsTransferring RecordsStarting Anew
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
When to Change
Finding a New Doctor
Switching Doctors
Transferring Records
Starting Anew
You have the right to switch healthcare providers, but it can be difficult to know how to change doctors in a way that ensures there are no breaks in your care. There are many reasons why you might want to change, including problems with communications, long wait times, cost and convenience, or changes in your health that fall outside of the scope of a provider’s practice.
Whatever your reason, it is in your best interest to make the transition from an old provider to a new one as smooth as possible. This prevents prescriptions from running out, problems with insurance, and other issues that can get in the way of your care.
This article helps you decide how and when to change healthcare providers and what you need to do to make the transition problem-free.
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When Should You Change Doctors?
Firstly, you don’t need a reason to leave a healthcare provider; it’s your right. But most people who leave have a specific reason for doing so, such as:
It helps to identify your concerns so you know you’re taking the right steps. In some cases, you may not have to leave the practice if you can resolve the issue. This may involve sitting down and airing your grievances or working out ways to reduce yourout-of-pocket costs.
You may also find that it is better tochange your insurancethan to change your doctor.
If you can’t find a satisfying solution, then it is likely time to leave.
Can I Change Doctors Within a Practice?It is in your right to see any provider you choose as long as they are willing to take you as a patient and you have insurance or other means to pay.However, you would be well served to advise the old provider of your intention to switch to someone else in the practice. This not only avoids awkwardness in the future but also starts the relationship with your new provider off on the right foot.
Can I Change Doctors Within a Practice?
It is in your right to see any provider you choose as long as they are willing to take you as a patient and you have insurance or other means to pay.However, you would be well served to advise the old provider of your intention to switch to someone else in the practice. This not only avoids awkwardness in the future but also starts the relationship with your new provider off on the right foot.
It is in your right to see any provider you choose as long as they are willing to take you as a patient and you have insurance or other means to pay.
However, you would be well served to advise the old provider of your intention to switch to someone else in the practice. This not only avoids awkwardness in the future but also starts the relationship with your new provider off on the right foot.
Knowing When It’s Time to Change Doctors
To begin the search, ask your health insurer for a list ofin-network providersin your area. (You can usually do so on the insurer’s website.) If you are on good terms with the doctor you are leaving, ask them for a referral. Friends and co-workers can also be good resources.
Next, call the provider’s office to see if they are accepting new patients. If so, check their fees and whether they accept your insurance (or other forms of payment). You might also want to check if the lab they use is also an in-network provider.
If everything seems satisfactory, you can make an appointment for an initial visit.
Scheduling a Final Visit With Your Current Doctor
Rather than just leaving your current provider without a word, consider sitting down and advising them of your decision. This is especially true if you are leaving on good terms, but it may also help if you are not.
The aim of this final visit would be to:
What to Say to Your Old Doctor
Firstly, you are not obliged to see a provider you intend to leave. You may choose to avoid this because your relationship is already strained or you’d rather not have to pay for another visit, which is fine.
If you have grievances to air, it can be difficult, but the information you share may be valuable to the provider (especially if it’s a problem they can fix, like office staff issues). If you are too angry or upset to speak, you can write a letter or send an email.
Whatever you do, it serves little purpose to “tell someone off.” Keep to the facts and allow the doctor to respond in kind. You may not achieve the resolution you want, but, at the same time, you may find that your grievances are all a big understanding. Keep an open mind.
If you have grievances that warrant disciplinary action, contact the medical board in your state to file a complaint.
How to File a Complaint About a Doctor
Getting Your Medical Records
You have a legal right to your medical record under theHealth Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996.
With that said, each state has its own laws about how the request is carried out. You will most likely need to make the request in writing and pay for copies. In many states, a provider is required to deliver your records within 15 business days of receipt of your request and payment.
This may not be necessary if your healthcare provider has an online patient portal that allows you to register and access your files via the Internet.
Other providers may maintainelectronic medical records (EMR)and be able to forward them digitally to your new provider.
Keeping Copies of Your Medical RecordsIf your provider does not offer a patient portal you can access after leaving, there are two ways to securely maintain your medical records depending on the form they take:Use a three-ring binder with dividers for yourself and each member of the family. You may also want to invest in a portable fireproof safe to store them in.Get a medical software program that allows you to scan and organize your reports and transfer them to a secure, cloud-based storage system.
Keeping Copies of Your Medical Records
If your provider does not offer a patient portal you can access after leaving, there are two ways to securely maintain your medical records depending on the form they take:Use a three-ring binder with dividers for yourself and each member of the family. You may also want to invest in a portable fireproof safe to store them in.Get a medical software program that allows you to scan and organize your reports and transfer them to a secure, cloud-based storage system.
If your provider does not offer a patient portal you can access after leaving, there are two ways to securely maintain your medical records depending on the form they take:
Your First Appointment With a New Doctor
When you meet your new provider, there are you can take some steps to ensure a good relationship. This includes arriving early enough so that you have time to fill out any intake documents the office might have for you.
To set the appropriate tone, avoid complaining about your old doctor. Instead, focus on your current goals and what you would like to achieve in this new relationship.
Be Prepared With Questions
It helps to arrive at your first visit with a list of questions to ask the new provider. In addition to ones specific to your medical condition, you might also ask:
Your Role as a Patient
Don’t treat the first doctor appointment like an interrogation. Instead, treat it like a conversation, remembering that the best provider-patient relationships are built on open, two-way communications in which you function as partners in your health.
This includes listening, taking notes, and asking questions so that you fully understand the benefits and risks of any treatment or test the provider recommends. Your role is not to follow everything the provider tells you to do but to work together to make treatment decisions.
Once a treatment plan is agreed to, your role is to adhere to the plan and to only change course after speaking with the doctor. Always keep appointments, and never skip lab tests or prescription refills.
Summary
There are many reasons why you might change from one healthcare provider to another. Whatever the reason, you need to ensure that you transition smoothly so that there are no gaps in your care.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Health information privacy.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.How timely must a covered entity be in responding to individuals’ requests for access to their PHI?National Institute on Aging.17 questions to ask when choosing a new doctor.Additional ReadingU.S. Department of Health & Human Services.Your rights under HIPPA.Health Information Privacy.Updated January 31, 2020.
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Health information privacy.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.How timely must a covered entity be in responding to individuals’ requests for access to their PHI?National Institute on Aging.17 questions to ask when choosing a new doctor.Additional ReadingU.S. Department of Health & Human Services.Your rights under HIPPA.Health Information Privacy.Updated January 31, 2020.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Health information privacy.U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.How timely must a covered entity be in responding to individuals’ requests for access to their PHI?National Institute on Aging.17 questions to ask when choosing a new doctor.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Health information privacy.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.How timely must a covered entity be in responding to individuals’ requests for access to their PHI?
National Institute on Aging.17 questions to ask when choosing a new doctor.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.Your rights under HIPPA.Health Information Privacy.Updated January 31, 2020.
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