How To Switch Primary Care Doctors

Changing primary care doctors can seem daunting, but we’re here to share how you can change your doctor to get the whole-person care you deserve. Whether you're moving to a new area or simply ready for a change, understanding how to switch primary care doctors will make the transition smoother. Here’s a guide to help you navigate finding a new primary care doctor or primary care provider (PCP) with ease.

Why Would You Want To Change Your PCP?

Before we look at how to change doctors, a good starting point is to evaluate your current satisfaction with your primary care doctor. Consider the following questions:

• What is a primary care provider supposed to do for you? Your primary care provider, also known as a PCP, is meant to monitor your health over time and help treat health issues. Your PCP can be a doctor, a physician assistant (PA), a nurse practitioner (NP) or an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).If you feel that your health needs aren’t being met and satisfaction isn’t where you want it to be, you may want to consider finding a new one.
• Does your current provider effectively communicate with you? It’s important to feel listened to, especially if you have ongoing health concerns. If you see that your doctor doesn’t fully answer your questions or interrupts you while you’re explaining your situation, it may be time to move on to someone else.
• Does your doctor respect your time? Although doctors are busy people, it’s important to assess whether they make you wait well past your appointment time or wait weeks to get an appointment in the first place. In that case, this PCP may not be the right person for your needs.
• Do they seem to write a prescription for everything? Prescribing medication is part of a doctor’s job, but not all ailments require medication — there can be other effective approaches in many cases, and you deserve to understand your treatment options. If they seem to only want to prescribe medications, you might want to consider changing doctors.
• Are you comfortable with your doctor? Do you have an uneasy feeling being around your doctor or the way they treat you? If you do, it’s important to switch your PCP so you don’t hesitate to see your doctor and can get the right treatment for your needs.

Something else to consider is whether they welcome second opinions. If you see that your doctor gets upset if you mention getting another physician’s thoughts on your condition, you should find another PCP. Your provider shouldn’t want you to agree to any treatment if you’re not fully comfortable with it.

It’s also important to ask whether your doctor keeps up with medical advancements. Medicine is constantly improving and changing. If your doctor is using outdated techniques and treatments, it may be time to turn to someone else.

Step-by-Step on How To Switch Primary Care Doctors

Switching doctors isn't always as simple as it may sound. That’s why we’ve put together a step-by-step process to ensure you receive the whole-person care you deserve.

Step 1: Use an Online Directory

Unless you already know which new primary care provider you're choosing, you'll need to do a little research to find potential providers who accept your insurance company’s health plans. The best place to start is in a directory.

Most major insurance companies have a full provider directory that's accessible through your insurance portal. Log into your health insurance provider's website to access this directory. Then, look for the following features:

• Accepting new patients: Use the provider search tools in your health insurance company's online portal to find a PCP who is actively accepting new patients.
• In-network: Before you change your primary care provider or make your first appointment, find a doctor's office that will accept your insurance plan. Even if you've logged into your insurance provider's web portal, always call the new doctor's office to make your first appointment and provide the member ID card over the phone.
• Medications: Make sure your new primary care provider is able to prescribe any current medications you may be taking.
• Office location: You likely won't want to travel long distances to visit your new primary care physician. Check how far the office is from your home or workplace.
• Reviews: Your potential new provider should have reviews in the insurance portal or on Google. Always look for honest reviews from patients to assess whether the new provider might be good for you.

If you still have questions about this first step, learn more here.

Step 2: Make an Appointment

Once you feel comfortable, call to schedule your first visit. It's important to call so you can get a feel for the tone of the office staff. If they are rude or don't answer, consider a different practice.

Step 3: Request Your Medical Records

You'll then want to alert your old provider of the change and officially request that your medical records be transferred to your new PCP. You can call the office, send an email or visit in person to make this request.

As you’re letting them know about the record request, it can also be polite to mention why you’ve made the decision to go with another PCP. You don’t have to do this, but it’s helpful since it gives the physician a chance to adjust the way they care for their patients.

Step 4: Your First Visit

During your first appointment, ask your new PCP a few questions to ensure you’re both on the same page. Some common and encouraged questions to ask during a visit with your new provider are:

• Whether the medications and treatments you’re following are appropriate. Your new provider may have other health plans for exploring your medical condition and treatment.
• What is their communication style? If you get tests done, there are various communication methods. Will you receive a call from your new physician with the results, or will they communicate via an app, email or other means?
• You also want to ask about appointments and how long it can take to get one.
• Make sure to ask about getting a second opinion to learn their process.

During this appointment, you can get answers to the questions you have while getting a sense of the doctor’s personality and the kind of bedside manner you can expect from them.

Building a Relationship With a PCP

When you have a long-term relationship with a trusted PCP, they can better monitor changes in your health, and you’re more likely to bring questions or concerns to them proactively — which means better support for your well-being.

One of the best ways to start building a relationship with your PCP is by coming prepared for your appointment with the questions you want to ask and the information you think your doctor should know. If you have symptoms, taking the time to write them down along with when they started makes a big difference.

Honesty is important in your relationship with your doctor. It may seem embarrassing to share certain aspects of your life, but holding back on this information can impact your health and well-being. Being honest also means expressing your concerns and anxieties about your health. Don’t hesitate to voice worries about procedures or medications.

The best thing you can do to build a lasting relationship with your PCP is to follow your care plan. Listen to what your doctor recommends and do your best to stick to the treatments or lifestyle changes they suggest.

How Often Can You Change Your Primary Care Physician?

There’s no limit to how many times you can change your PCP. Considering whether your current doctor offers the kind of care you need is important. If they don’t, switching may be the best choice.

What Happens When You Change Doctors?

When you change doctors, your new PCP will request and examine your medical records from your previous physician to get familiar with your medical history. You’ll have a chance to ask whether there are any treatment or care strategies that need to be changed.

Your new doctor may recommend specific health screenings or further tests if you have certain medical conditions. They may also evaluate the medications you take.

Choosing Primary Care+ in Florida

Your primary care provider is one of the most important people in your care team. If you’re not happy with the care you’re receiving, we encourage you to find another provider.

At AdventHealth Primary Care+, we’re here to help you manage any health conditions you have and prevent issues from arising. Our team of experts is dedicated to offering quality care and convenience. Because we know that waiting days (and even weeks) to see a doctor can be frustrating and dangerous, we offer same-day appointments you can depend on.

AdventHealth Primary Care+ has clinics located throughout all of Central Florida, as well as in select Walgreens stores in Tampa. You can rest easy knowing you’re never far away from expert whole-person care.

Feel Safe With the Right Primary Care Provider

It’s important to establish a relationship and build trust with your PCP. Through the many stages of your life, your doctor is there to guide you, helping you make the best lifestyle choices for your health and addressing any conditions that may arise.

If you’re not happy with your PCP, you have the right to choose another provider. Researching the options you have and scheduling an appointment to get to know another doctor will help make this transition smooth and successful.

At AdventHealth Primary Care+, we’re ready to answer any questions you have about our providers or services. If you have more questions about how to switch primary care doctors, learn more here.