How do I change doctors?

In my experience with switching it was easier to just see the new Dr. and tell them you want to have them transfer your records from the old dr. My memory is terrible but think it’s release of medical records form?

@stevemurphyaz If you are planning to go to a completely different practice that I concur with @mamab05. When I decided to leave one medical practice for another I made sure to have an appointment with my new primary care physician. I filled out a release of information at my new doctor’s office that was sent to my former doctor’s office. In retrospect I kinda wish I had informed my former primary care provider why I was making the change as it had to do with how communication had deteriorated over a few years. I did talk with my new doctor about why I left the former practice and while that was uncomfortable for me I’m glad I did that. I’ve now been with my “new” doctor for 6 years and we have a very good and cooperative primary care relationship.

I hope my story helps you and your wife make the change.

Hi @stevemurphyaz, I assume from your username that you are referring to Community Medicine and Family Practice at Mayo Clinic in Arizona. There are several Primary Care locations (as you likely already know)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/primary-care-arizona/sections/overview/ovc-20457292
Primary Care — Community Internal Medicine (Scottsdale)
Primary Care — Family Medicine Arrowhead (Glendale)
Primary Care — Family Medicine Phoenix
Primary Care — Family Medicine San Tan (Chandler)
Primary Care — Family Medicine Thunderbird (Scottsdale)

Generally, you are encouraged to speak to your current provider and/or practice to request a change of provider. Keep in mind that there may be capacity issues. If necessary, you can also speak with the Office of Patient Experience. But I would start by raising your wife's valid request of wishing to be seen by a female physician.

Thank you for the response, Colleen. A conversation with our current provider would be incredibly uncomfortable for us. We've had interactions with the Office of Patient Experience in the past that have been, shall we say, less than positive. As far as the practice we're interested in, it would be Family Medicine Phoenix. When we checked the website, it says that none of the Family Practice locations are accepting new patients. I honestly feel that, unless someone can help us, we're going to have to leave Mayo and that's greatly disappointing to us.

@stevemurphyaz, you're right that Primary Care at Mayo Clinic in Arizona is not accepting new patients at the moment. As a current patient, I hope that you are able to switch providers. It sounds like you have taken the appropriate steps to address your concerns, but that it might not be possible at this time due to capacity. It would be disappointing to have to leave Mayo Clinic over this.

I can understand that it could be uncomfortable to speak to your current provider about this even though asking for a female physician for your wife's care is a reasonable request. The best course of action is the Office of Patient Experience or the adminstrator of the the Family Practice.

@stevemurphyaz
I had a great primary care provider in Family Med in Rochester, but I felt he was missing some female issues. When I read something in appointment notes that he never even mentioned to me I made an appointment in gynecology. Another very busy dept, but it was great decision. She has more expertise in female issues area and easy to talk to. So now beside by primary, I also see her once a year for checkup.

Not as familiar with Mayo Phoenix or appointment availability but here is link to gynecology dept:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/gynecology-arizona/overview/ovc-20559449
Phoenix also has a Women Internal Medicine department:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/womens-health-internal-medicine-arizona/sections/overview/ovc-20555738

Visiting this forum again! I was wondering if someone could explain the difference between the Family Medicine practice and the Community Internal Medicine practice. There must be a difference, but I'm kind of confused as to what it might be.

Also, I'd like some clarification about the Community Internal Medicine Care Team approach. It seems as though, even though you're assigned to a Team, you cannot see another physician on the same team and you also can't change Care Teams. Is that right? Thanks!

@stevemurphyaz
Let me see if I can explain my understanding of the two type of community primary care providers for local resididents at at Mayo.

Community Internal Medicine cares for patients age 18 and older. The providers offer general health and wellness care, including preventive exams. They also help manage complex medical conditions, such as heart disease, emphysema and diabetes.

Family Medicine staff care for people of all ages, providing family-oriented comprehensive care, including preconception counseling, prenatal care and delivery; well-woman care; newborn and well-child care; pediatric and adolescent care; and adult/geriatric care.

I myself see a Family Medicine provider and am 67 years old. I have been seen in Fmaily Med for proably about 30 years.

Not sure how Community Internal medicine handles team approach. In Family Medicine, I have a primary provider who happens to be a MD. But if I need to be seen for minor concern, I usually see a PA on her team.

If interested in seeing a different provider, you might want to call appointment desk and ask about policy for changing providers.

Hope that helps.