There are several reasons why you might switch medical providers: relocation, a change in insurance plan, or a change in healthcare needs, to name a few. When considering your new medical care team, it’s important to equip yourself with the knowledge you need to best serve your overall health and well-being. Below are a few things to keep in mind when making the switch:
Deciding to Switch:
Identify your healthcare needs and current plan. Is there a certain hospital or provider you’d like to go to? Do you have a PPO or HMO? By understanding your current healthcare needs and insurance options, you’ll have a good foundation for identifying what networks of providers you may select from.
Request your medical records from your previous healthcare provider to be sent to your new provider’s office. Records may include but are not limited to a list of medications, vaccination records, lab test results, surgical history, family medical history, and visit history.
- This will help your new doctor get up to speed.
Schedule an initial appointment. Building a new medical team is a lot like dating; you may know right away you don’t want to see a doctor again, you may need another encounter or two to decide, or it might be love at first sight. Prepare for the appointment by noting the two or three most important concerns to you and plan a second appointment to discuss additional issues.
- During this first appointment, you may want to review medications so you can get updated refills or schedule any recurring preventative examinations.
If you need help during the process, you can ask your financial advisor to initiate a Caribou HealthPlanning Analysis so you can make an informed decision in your plan selection and identify provider networks that are in-network.
Learn More:
7 Tips for Finding a New Doctor When You Move | Healthgrades
Last Revised June 17th, 2024