They say change is the only constant. Whether you have just gotten to know your primary care physician or you've been seeing the same physician for many years, it can be disconcerting to learn they're retiring or relocating.
Your doctor knows you and has been through a lot with you. How do you find another doctor who understands you like they do?
It can seem impossible, intimidating and even a little scary to try to find that perfect doctor once again, but it doesn't have to be.
“As physicians, we understand that you want personalized care that is customized to your individual needs and goals in the context of your own life," said Mark Greenawald, MD, a Carilion Clinic Family Medicine physician. “The important thing is to take a proactive approach when finding a new physician.”
Dr. Greenawald suggests these six tips (including a caution) to help you find a new physician who can best handle your healthcare needs:
- Ask your retiring physician and practice nurse what you should do.
- If your physician is part of a group, consider one of the group's partners or the new clinician who will be replacing your doctor.
- Check with your local hospital for physicians who specialize in the kind of care you need.
- Talk with your family and friends. Who do they see for care?
- Check with your insurance company to see what clinicians in the area take your insurance.
- Be cautious with online reviews, as they are often very unreliable.
Carilion Clinic makes these steps easy for patients when our clinicians retire. We reach out to patients through the mail and at appointments, share information about other Carilion physicians who are well-suited to meet each patient's needs and make medical records available for patients who choose to see other physicians. Our "Find a Doc" tool includes information about the education, training and focus areas of all Carilion physicians.
Dr. Greenawald also adds a few tips once you've made your decision:
- Obtain a copy of your medical record.
- Bring your records and all of your medications to your first visit, along with a list of vitamins and supplements you take.
- Ask questions to make sure your new clinician is comfortable managing your specific medical needs.
- Don’t be afraid to change physicians after the first visit or so if the chemistry is not a good fit.
Healthcare is constantly changing and evolving. By taking the steps to find the right physician and making sure that you are involved in managing your own health, you can ensure that you get the kind of care you want and need.
