What to Do If You’re Doctor Closes His or Her Practice
When your current physician informs you that they will be retiring it can be a sentimental time. Chances are that this doctor has been with you since you either switched from a pediatrician to a real doctor, or since you moved into the area. They have been with you through good times and bad, and even through family additions. However, you cannot get so overwhelmed, that you neglect looking forward to the next step in your health care. It is important to know exactly what to do when your doctor is retiring.
Find a New Doctor
When your old doctor informs you that they will be closing their practice, your first step is to start looking for a new doctor. Establishing a relationship with a new doctor before a serious issue or condition arises is a good idea, especially with wait times for doctors growing. In order to find a new doctor, you can either ask your current physician who they would recommend, or you can search on the internet. Even if your current doctor recommends someone, it’s a good idea to check up on that person yourself as well.
Do Your Research
When you are choosing a new doctor to go to, you want to do some research. This is the doctor that will likely be caring for you and your family for years to come so it is important to make the right choice. This means taking the time to do some research into potential replacements for your retiring physician. You can do this by talking to family members and friends in the area, as well as looking into internet reviews and ratings. Make sure to pay attention to the good and bad things people say about the doctor you are considering. Also, be sure that your new doctor takes your insurance. If you have a “network” or providers, it is crucial to ensure that the physician you are considering is “in network” for insurance purposes.
Get a Copy of Your Medical Records
When you are switching doctors, it is important to let your new doctor have all of the information necessary to provide you with top notch care. This means getting a copy of your medical records to your new physician. If your old doctor has already closed up shop and you are unsure how to go about getting a copy of your medical records, it might be a good idea to turn to the professionals.
Datafied Can Obtain Copies of Medical Records for You
If you are having difficulty getting your medical records from a doctor that is planning to, or has already closed their practice, Datafied can help. Through our division Order Medical Records, we can have our network of professionals track down your medical records for you. We know the process can be frustrating to go through, so let Datafied help! We work in a timely, professional manner and you can even have your records delivered right to your new doctor’s office to avoid an extra step.
