How to Find a Doctor When You Move

Full article 15 min read
Find a Doctor

Everyone has their very own doctor, whom they are comfortable with, and they prefer going to that doctor for every health issue. Now, if you’re moving, it becomes difficult to part with your doctor and find a new one because you aren’t sure if you’ll find the same good doctor in your new place. Although you could always keep in touch with your doctor through the call if you ever want to get a second opinion, it wouldn’t be the same as meeting them in person.

A doctor likes your very own personal medical service and someone you can rely on because that person knows how your body functions and gives you the proper medication. There are a few ways to find the right doctor for you when you move.

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Things to consider before finding a new doctor

You’re looking for a new doctor; you want to make sure they are good and that you are comfortable with them. You don’t want to move and find a doctor only to switch again in a few months. There are some things you should take into consideration before making your decision.

See Also: Will Moving Help your Allergies?

Type of doctor

When you find a new doctor for yourself, you want to make sure you know what kind of physician you need. There are different types of doctors; some specialize in a certain area. You wouldn’t go to an optometrist if you had a broken bone. Make sure you know what kind of doctor you need and research the new town or city’s medical facilities to see which one offers the services of your desired physician.

Location

You would also want to take note of the doctor’s location. If you have a job that requires long hours, you don’t want to choose a doctor that is far away from your workplace. Try finding doctors who are close to your place so that if there’s an emergency, you can always rush to the clinic. You will also want to consider the distance if you have any family members or friends that live close by.

See Also: 10 Best States to Live in the USA

Insurance

Another thing you need to check before choosing a new doctor is your insurance. Not all doctors accept a certain type of insurance, so you would want to make sure that the doctor you’re choosing takes your insurance. You can ask the office or do a quick online search to see what type of insurance the doctor accepts. Make sure you know if the new doctor takes your insurance and their rates. After choosing them, you don’t want to find out that they charge a lot more than your previous doctor.

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Ease of access

How easy is it to get an appointment with this new doctor? You would want to find a doctor with short waiting times and who offers convenient appointments. If you’re moving, you don’t want to add another burden of having to wait a long time to see the doctor.

Interview the doctor

Once you’ve found a few doctors that you’re interested in, it’s time for the interview process. You want to make sure the doctor is someone you can get along with and comfortable with. Ask them questions about their practice, how they deal with patients, and their medication policy. You also want to make sure the doctor is accepting new patients.

Hospital vs. independent practice

You’ll want to consider if you want a doctor who works in a hospital or an independent practice. In general, doctors who work in hospitals are more expensive than those who practice. However, those who have their practice may not have the same resources as those working in a hospital. If you’re moving to a new town or city, it’s best to ask the people around you what their experience with the doctors in the area has been. You could also visit the local hospital and ask some questions while you’re there.

Your doctor preferences

You may have preferences, like if you’d like to visit a male doctor or a female doctor. Or if you’re more comfortable with a certain type of doctor, like an older doctor or a younger doctor. You may also have religious preferences for your doctor. All these things are essential to consider when finding a new doctor.

Experience and Certification

The most important thing you want to check when finding a new doctor is their experience and certification. Ensure the doctor has been certified in the area they are practicing in. You don’t want to go to a doctor who is not qualified to help you with your medical needs.

It’s essential to have a good relationship with your doctor to help you maintain your health. A doctor with the right amount of experience and knowledge about their field will always be able to help you in your time of need. Please do your research, ask for referrals, and make sure you’re comfortable with the new doctor before switching to them.

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Dynamics of your care team

When finding a new doctor, it is also important to consider the other members of your care team. If you have a spouse or family member who also needs a doctor, it might be helpful to find a practice that has multiple providers. That way, you can all go to the same place and have your medical history readily available. You can also ask your potential doctor about the other staff members. Do they have nurses, pharmacists, and other specialists on-site to help with your care?

Reviews

When looking for a new doctor, always check their reviews. Patients are more likely to leave a review if they’ve had a bad experience with the doctor. However, you can also find reviews from happy patients. Checking the doctor’s rating on websites like Google, Healthgrades and Vitals is an excellent way to get an idea of what you’re getting yourself into.

Ways to find a primary care doctor

There are many ways to find your primary care doctor. You can search on the internet, through your insurance company, or by asking friends and family for referrals.

Recommendations from your former doctor

If you have just moved to a new town or city, you may want to contact your former doctor and ask for a referral. They will recommend someone in the area that is qualified to take care of your health needs. Relying on your former doctor for new doctor referrals is a good idea; they would know better who to go to than someone you’ve just met.

Insurance Company websites

Before you go and make an appointment with your doctor, you ought to make sure that your health care provider is completely covered by your health insurance and is accepted as in-network. The difference between an in-network and an out-network doctor is that in-network doctors are generally covered by your health insurance, whereas out-network doctors aren’t, and you would have to pay for the services on your own.

Most insurance companies have a website that allows you to search for doctors in their network. The website will also list the doctor’s qualifications, experience, and location. You can also read reviews about the doctor on the website and choose accordingly which doctor you would like to visit for your health needs.

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State medical society

Another place to find doctors is through your state medical society. They will have a list of all the doctors in the area who are members of their society. The society will also have information about the doctor’s specialty and experience. You can also find out if the doctor is accepting new patients.

Ask friends and neighbors

You can ask your friends and neighbors for referrals. They will be able to give you a first-hand account of their experience with the doctor and if they would recommend them to others. Your friends and family would have a good idea on which doctor is good because word spreads like “oh, he’s an amazing doctor he treated my cold” or “she’s fantastic, she fixed my back!”

Doctor rating websites

There are many doctor rating websites on the internet that you can use to help you decide which doctor to choose. These websites rate the doctor on various factors such as experience, bedside manner, punctuality, and many more. You can also read reviews about the doctor on these websites.

Once you have found a few doctors that interest you, give them a call and schedule an appointment to see them. Most doctors will offer a free consultation so you can get to know them better. Be sure to ask as many questions as possible to decide which doctor is best for you.

Medical malpractice database

If you’re looking for a doctor that doesn’t have any history of medical malpractice, you can check out their name on a medical malpractice database. The website will list any malpractice cases that the doctor has been involved in. You can also check out how much the doctor has been sued for and the verdict.

Search on U.S. News Doctor Finder

U.S. News & World Report publishes a list of the best doctors in America every year. The website has a doctor finder tool that you can use to search for doctors in your area. The database includes over 650,000 doctors and allows you to filter your results by location, specialty, and gender.

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Questions you should ask when booking an appointment with a new doctor:

  • What is your specialty?
  • Are you accepting new patients?
  • Do you have any malpractice cases against you?
  • How much are you sued for?
  • Can I see your license?
  • What are your hours?
  • Do you accept my insurance?
  • What are your rates?
  • Can I get a copy of your medical records?
  • Do you have any hospital affiliations?
  • Have you ever been disciplined by the medical board?
  • Are you in a research study?
  • Do you have any pamphlets or information about your practice?
  • Can I see a list of your references?
  • Can I read reviews about you online?
  • When was the last time you were reviewed by the American Medical Association (AMA)?

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Conclusion

When looking for a new doctor, it is important to ask as many questions as possible to make an informed decision. You can find doctors in your area by using the internet or asking friends and family for referrals. The best way to find a good doctor is to read reviews online and see any medical malpractice cases against them. Be sure to ask the doctor questions about their specialty, experience, and rates before making an appointment.

FAQ

How do I find a doctor that is accepting new patients?

You can find doctors accepting new patients by using the internet or asking friends and family for referrals.

What should I ask a doctor about before making an appointment?

It would help if you asked the doctor questions about their specialty, experience, and rates before making an appointment.

Can I get a copy of my medical records from the doctor?

Yes, most doctors will give you a copy of your medical records upon request.

Do I need to be referred by my primary care doctor to see a specialist?

You do not need to be referred by your primary care doctor to see a specialist. You can make an appointment with a specialist without a referral.

What is the best way to find good reviews about a doctor?

The best way to find good reviews about a doctor is to read reviews online. You can also check out the doctor’s rating on websites like Yelp and Healthgrades. When looking for a new doctor, it is important to ask as many questions as possible to make an informed decision. It can be difficult to know where to start, but luckily there.

Do I need to make an appointment to see the doctor?

In most cases, you will need to make an appointment to see the doctor. However, some doctors offer walk-in hours for patients who require urgent care.

Can I see the doctor’s license before making an appointment?

Yes, you can see the doctor’s license before making an appointment. Most states have a website that allows you to look up a doctor’s license information.

What is the American Medical Association (AMA)?

The American Medical Association (AMA) is a national organization representing physicians in the United States. The AMA reviews doctors to ensure that they meet the standards of quality care.

When was the last time the AMA reviewed the doctor? The doctor’s most recent review by the AMA can be found on the American Medical Association website. You can also check out how long the doctor has been a member of the AMA.

Written by


Alex Sherr is the founder of My Long Distance Movers, a blog that provides moving information and resources for people who are relocating. He has more than two decades of experience in the moving and relocation industry, and he is passionate about helping people relocate smoothly and efficiently. When he's not writing or blogging, Alex enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.