Changing Doctors?

[NeverlandClub23]

I've been with the same general practice doctor for as long as I can remember. The problem is he's 30-40 minutes away from where I work. I wanted to switch to another doctor closer to where I work (I'm not crazy about my current doctor, I've kind of inherited him as everyone in my family goes to him). The new doctor is still covered by my insurance provider but how do I go about getting my medical documents switched. Do I take care of that or does the new doctor office? Thanks for any advice!

 

[npmommie]

You will have to put something in writing to your old doctor and they will send a copy of your record to your new doctor. They may charge you, some do.
good luck!

 

[MenashaCorp]

Better yet, ask for a copy of your records TO PICK UP YOURSELF. Even the best doctors' offices are not consistently great about transferring records. Once you have your records, you can make another copy for yourself if you like and/or deliver records in advance to the new physician. This will also give him/her a chance to review them in advance rather than during/after your initial visit.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

Thanks so much for the help!

 

[npmommie]

Better yet, ask for a copy of your records TO PICK UP YOURSELF. Even the best doctors' offices are not consistently great about transferring records. Once you have your records, you can make another copy for yourself if you like and/or deliver records in advance to the new physician. This will also give him/her a chance to review them in advance rather than during/after your initial visit.

This is actually what I do myself

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I just switched OB/GYNs this month. The old one was too far to drive and had some squirrelly billing practices. Insurance fraud, anyone?

My friend recommended her Dr. so I went for my annual exam last week. When I asked if she wanted the address of my old Dr. to have the records transferred she said since I don't have any health issues she doesn't need the old records. Which is FINE with me because I do think they charge like $25 to copy the records for you.

When my DS switched dentists they said they didn't need his old records, either. They take new x-rays and go from there.

It seems like Dr's really don't care that much about transferring records unless you have a chronic condition.