AARP Hearing Center
How Can I Find a New Doctor?
Sage advice on what to look for in a new physician
James Yates
My doctor is retiring. How can I find a new doctor?
These days, plenty of people are losing their longtime physicians because nearly half of doctors in this country are nearing retirement age. One of the first things I say to patients facing this situation is “I’m sorry.” It may sound like an unusual response, but losing your trusted physician is a genuine loss. Good doctors learn who you are, what matters to you, how you think about medical decisions and what concerns you most. That’s the kind of relationship that develops over time.
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If your doctor is retiring, don’t panic … but don’t wait too long. Your first step should be finding out whether your physician is handing the practice over to another doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. If so, that can be an excellent place to begin. Even if the relationship isn’t immediately the same, you’ll already have someone familiar with the practice and, hopefully, access to your medical history.
You don’t want to overlook the rest of your medical team either. If you see a cardiologist, endocrinologist or another specialist, ask whether they have a primary care physician they enjoy working with. Specialists often know which doctors communicate well and provide thoughtful care.
Of course, professional competence always comes first. We all hope to find someone who is knowledgeable, compassionate and easy to speak to, but if you have to choose, clinical skill is the foundation. A warm personality is important, but good medical judgment is essential. That said, the relationship still matters.
One of the best ways to find a physician is by asking people you know. Friends, family members or neighbors can be wonderful sources of recommendations. But don’t stop at asking “Do you like your doctor?” Ask why. Does the doctor explain things clearly? Is it easy to get an appointment? Does the office return phone calls? Does the physician take time to answer questions? Someone else’s definition of a great doctor may be very different from yours.
If personal recommendations aren’t available, it’s reasonable to do some online research. Patient reviews aren’t perfect, but they may give you useful information about office staff, scheduling and communication. Just remember that online ratings tell only part of the story.
Next, make sure the new provider accepts your insurance. That’s especially important if you’re covered through a managed care plan, since provider networks can vary considerably.
Practical considerations deserve attention too. Is the office reasonably close to your home? How long will you wait for an appointment? If new patients have to wait six months just to get in the door, that may not be the right fit, especially if you have ongoing health concerns. You should also think about whether the office offers telehealth visits, an online patient portal and convenient ways to communicate between appointments. These conveniences can make managing your health care easier.
Finally, give the relationship time to grow. Your new doctor won’t know you the way your previous physician did. But you can help by coming to the appointment prepared. Bring an up-to-date medication list, as well as information about your allergies, medical conditions and any major surgeries or hospitalizations. While your records may be transferred, medical charts can run hundreds of pages. A concise summary from you helps your new doctor understand your health more quickly and allows you to spend more time talking and getting to know one another, rather than sorting through paperwork.
The relationship with your physician is one of the longest and most meaningful partnerships many of us have. While saying goodbye to a beloved doctor can be difficult, it also opens the door to building another relationship that may serve you just as well for many years to come.
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