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I had my regularly scheduled doctor’s appointment for this quarter last week. At the end of the appointment, my Primary Care Physician informed me that she was closing her office on February 1st, 2025. She gave me a document to give my new physician, so they could transfer my medical records, covering the last 10 years.
What has your experience been with issues like this? I have to ask it has happened to other HD readers.
My doctor didn’t make a referral to a new “recommended physician,” but did mention a medical group some of her clients had transferred to. I called that group and was told the first appointment for “new patients” was in October of this year.
As irritating as this is, I will most certainly find a new PCP, but it is certainly a PITA.
The last time I had to find a physician, I was under Aetna Insurance and I simply went to a web site and found a list of their “preferred providers” and called one of them. Now with Medicare, I am not sure such a web site exists.
Paraphrasing one of my favorite Commercials, “Stay Healthy my Friends.”
Kevin M Lynch
My wife and I have used the MDVIP network for over 15 years and been very satisfied. There is an annual cost but the Mayo quality annual physical makes it a good value, in our opinion. I believe that most MDVIP doctors will have a waiting list also.
I had to wait almost five months for my new PCP to see me, during which time my prescriptions were going to expire. Fortunately, I learned this before my departing PCP had left, and she accommodated me by giving me scripts to cover the gap.
Medicare does not have preferred providers. I suggest looking into a group practice where you can try different providers and yes, you will like see a PA. That is our experience and no problems. They have also referred us to needed specialist both in and out of the practice.
Thanks for posting Keven. I second Rick Conner’s comment. Ask everyone you know, especially any health professionals. The value of the opinions will vary, but with enough information you may get a feel for where to look for your next physician.
We moved to rural NH a couple of years ago to be closer to our children. Finding new Docs accepting patients and with seemingly assured competence has been a challenge. We reverted to concierge service with our long term Doc at our old location as she is reducing hours and patients. While this adds costs and time-consuming double-dipping with Docs, our concierge Doc already saved us from doing some risky invasive procedures with good second opinion advice on alternative testing.
I am winding down a 30+ yr career as a family physician, and was a the primary physician to many – very many. Healthcare has been largely commodified. Expect even more physician churn, and pressure to see Nurse Practitioners or PAs. If you want a more personal, more responsive touch, check out Direct Primary Care or even concierge options in your area. On the bright side, and in contrast to 10 or more years ago, Medicare (Original; Medicare Advantage is a different topic) is now one of the better and more reliable payers, and is accepted by most docs in the areas I have worked in. Great luck to you – and yes, Stay Healthy.
Kevin, thanks for this piece. I wonder if I will need to address this in the near future. My doctor is 10 years younger than me. But I’ve heard him talk about living in the mountains, doing stuff with his kids, etc. I think he’ll retire soon than I want him to. I should ask him the next time I see him.
We moved twice in the last 4 years and had to find all new Drs. We used a combination of web searches, and asking friends, neighbors, and pretty much anyone my wife came in contact with. She found our ortho surgeon at a swim aerobics class. My wife is very outgoing and unafraid to ask for people’s opinions.
I have changed my PCP or practice several times over the last few years. Twice voluntarily and twice involuntarily. I have not found the process difficult. In two cases I sought advice from my rheumatologist and the third time I followed my PCP to a new practice. The last time I switched to the clinic at my retirement community (CCRC) – that move was particularly easy as it uses the same electronic records system as the previous practice. I suspect that some of the records from my original PCP may not have made all the transitions and should probably check.
Is there a university medical center near you? There are two in my area and both have a “find a doctor” option on their websites. Otherwise, if you don’t see a specialist, friends and family may be your best option. Do not be surprised if you find doctors either not taking new patients, or scheduling appointments months out. I don’t think I have ever had a regularly scheduled appointment once a quarter with a PCP. Perhaps you might want to look for a concierge practice.
Medicare does have a “find a doctor “, option, but I don’t see any recommendations. If you have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan they should have lists of doctors.