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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.