Whether you’re keeping or changing your medical insurance, or are uninsured, finding a medical care professional is an important early step after your move.
Finding a new doctor in your new home area requires thoughtful research. While a task list for moving can be long, try to make time to locate a doctor before your move if possible.
A primary care professional is often your first step. If you do not have medical insurance, this could mean finding a free clinic in your new area. Depending on the type of insurance you have (PPO vs. HMO, Medicare or Medicaid), you may be able to skip a primary care physician and begin directly with a specialist.
Let’s explore the steps you can take to find a new doctor after you move.
You’ll want a primary care doctor you can trust and feel comfortable around. Recent research suggests that having a trusting relationship with a doctor is linked to better health outcomes.
You first need to confirm they are in network with your health insurance plan if you have insurance. This is true if you have government-supported care coverage like Medicare or Medicaid.
Being in network means your insurance provider has negotiated set rates with the medical professional or medical facility. You will pay less out of pocket for visiting those medical professionals. Most insurance providers have a website where you can search through a list of doctors available to you.
Additionally, there are several independent resources available online that allow you to search for doctors, including Healthgrades’ Find a Doctor search, which includes reviews and ratings, and the
The medical card you receive from your insurance company if you have insurance will also have a phone number you can call to aid your search.
Tip
You can ask your previous medical care professional if they have any recommendations for doctors in your new area. Friends and family in the new area may also have recommendations. If they do, don’t forget to confirm the care professionals are in network with your medical insurance if you have insurance.
If you do not have insurance, a free health clinic in your area may provide you with free or reduced-cost general medical or emergency care.
Federally qualified community health centers (FQHCs) are available in many communities and offer sliding fee scales for people with limited income or who do not have insurance.
You can use several search tools to find free or reduced-cost clinics, such as:
Location and business hours
You may want a doctor close to your home or work, and who works during the times you have available to avoid missing work or school.
Most insurance providers allow you to search for medical professionals by specific area. If business hours are not available online, you can call the doctor’s office and ask.
Accessibility and language
If your first language is not English, it may help to confirm the professional you choose can speak another language.
Communication
Additionally, it’s helpful to confirm that the doctor communicates with you in your preferred way, such as by email, phone, or a telehealth platform and mobile app.
Once you visit your doctor’s office or medical facility, and spend one-on-one time with them, you may get a better sense of their personality and demeanor and whether they are a good fit for you.
It’s important to trust your care professional and feel safe speaking with them openly about your medical concerns, existing conditions, and treatment.
You can try to visit multiple doctors before making your choice. If you decide you’d like to change doctors, you should be able to change them at any time.
If you have a preexisting chronic condition, selecting a specialist may be top of mind. The information covered above still holds true here. You’ll want someone who:
- is in network if you have insurance
- is familiar with the latest research about your condition and is experienced in treating it
- you feel comfortable being around and can trust to have honest conversations
If you have an HMO medical plan or do not have insurance, you may have fewer choices when it comes to specialists. If you have a PPO health insurance plan, you may be able to search for a specialist at more medical facilities.
Once you have a list of medical care professionals, you can reach out to them with questions to confirm they are a good fit for you. Consider the following:
- Are you in network with my insurance?
- Are other doctors in your office in network with my insurance if you are unavailable?
- What are your working days and hours?
- Do you charge for video or telephone appointments?
- Do you speak other languages?
- What is your medical philosophy about alternative, conservative treatments?
- What hospital do you use?
- Do you have experience treating my medical conditions?
- Can I get lab work and X-rays done in the office?
Your insurance provider will have a list of in-network medical facilities. Still, it’s valuable to know how your doctors communicate with doctors at the hospital, whether your doctor recommends or is affiliated with a specific facility, and whether the hospital takes your insurance.
What happens when you change doctors?
Doctors often suggest that you provide your medical records. You can make this request with your previous medical professionals by telephone, email, or in person. You will be required to fill out and sign a release form. Medical information includes:
- doctor’s notes and summaries from office visits
- lab and imaging results
- list of your medications and allergies
- list of your current and past health conditions
- vaccination records
- hospital care summaries
Finding a new doctor after you move involves identifying in-network medical professionals with your insurance providers, if you have insurance, or locating free or reduced-cost clinics in your area.
Once you’ve built a list of possible doctors, you can research their experience and services. You can also contact them with additional questions or schedule an appointment to allow you can get to know them better and build trust.