I want to change my PCP. Seeking guidance on process

@rsfcowgirl Hi, this is an interesting issue, and one many of us face from time to time. I too have had to change doctors within a practice with a high level of politics. I ended up dealing with their director of practice to get it done, and chose my new doctor based on the advice of a PT. Here is a little about the way I framed my request:

"I have been with Dr X for 5 years, and was never completely happy with his approach, but tolerated it because I had an uncomplicated situation. My condition has now become much more complex, and I am completely uncomfortable with his approach. I will be seeing a different physician, whether in this practice or elsewhere is up to how we resolve this." He suddenly became more interested in allowing me to see who I wanted!

In your situation, I would look at the on-line profiles of their practice to see who is taking new patients, then talk to the nurse navigator about them. Then approach the director of practice (usually not the same as the medical director in a larger group) and say something like "I am a new patient and have seen Dr X three (or however many) times and our approaches to my health are too different to establish an effective relationship. I know what a good working relationship feels like because I was with my previous PCP for 16 years, and only left due to relocation."

Does this sound like something that could work for you? Do you mind telling me (generally) your new location?
Sue

Hi Sue. Thanks for the help.
I'm now in the N Carolina area. Closest "major city" (size relative to the region) is Asheville. That's where I drive to get medical services.
This group does not specify who is taking new patients. They only indicate that as a general announcement. I don't know how to find out if the Dr. I have an interest in is available. They're not graded individually on Healthline etc.
FYI, I felt it was necessary to politely advise the Dr's Med Assistant - when she called to make sure I got the RX my Dr failed to reorder for 9 days (of requests) until I was forced to contact the Dr on call over the weekend - that I am in the process of deciding where I'll be getting my medical care in the upcoming year. Because she inquired about something for the future. So today he's learned I'm looking around.
The problem is that I have almost no decent options if that intra- practice transfer doesn't work out. And they know that. Which is a scary prospect.
I like your advice to consult with the RN Navigator about new Drs to consider. Thank you for that too.
I never had this problem before. It's quite burdensome. I'm used to a high level of professional Doctors. Here, the patients are churned in and out, in a manner I can't call 'treated'. I had not seen that before. Not even adequate patient questionnaire. If I didn't know what to voluntarily tell him, he'd have zero idea of anything. He's Internal Med certified, yet I got far better care from a PA at an Urgent Care clinic. Sad state of affairs.
I hope for a better Dr in the future because I really need a doctor at this point in my life.

I understand your frustration, and I hear it all the time from many people. Many years ago, I was fortunate to find a fabulous Advanced Nurse Practitioner, PhD to be my primary. Unfortunately her health nor forces her to find a less demanding job, and she is leaving. I will see her in December to hear her recommendations for me going forward. The other question for your RN Navigator would be whether there is an NP she can suggest. That change would be easier than within a specialty department.
Sue

Sorry to hear your are losing your great primary care provider. I wish you the best in your journey thru the system too.
My Nurse Navigator is out of the area and only deals with neuro with the ABTA. I wish she could be a resource but that is her sole specialty.
What do you think of the idea of asking the neurosurgeon for a referral?
I am not familiar with the Director of the practice. I never worked in a medical office, only in a hospital. Would that be the same person as the Business Manager?

I would compare the director of practice to the personnel manager for doctors - dealing with the assignment & performance side of the business, not pay and benefits. The comparable person in hospitals of old would be the department head for a specialty.

I don't think asking a neurosurgeon would be helpful - just my opinion, but they are usually viewing quality of care from a very different perspective than the patient.

sue

Choosing a new physician shouldn't be so difficult, but it is a convoluted process. My PCP for the past 20 years has been forced by the pressure of the clock to be more hurried. I try to prepare in a way that makes the best use of the limited time available. My PCP, an internist, is nearing retirement age, so one of these days, I will confront this problem. Interestingly, because of a medical disability from the Vietnam War, I am required to have a yearly checkup with a VA physician, which has less time restriction.

This article references my area and the local problems of medical service availability. It just came up on my news feed

Mention to your PC about his retirement. Maybe someone else will take over the practice soon (like my doc) and you can just stay there where your records are.

In my NY upstate county getting a PCP MD/DO is virtually impossible. I had one several years ago, but the MD was literally into cost containment and hospice. The question that must be pondered is whether you make a brief outline of reasons you are seeing a PCP or engaging in conversation. Either way the new PCP should not re-order recent diagnostic genetic tests, such as urine or blood draws. But certainly depending on gender order a PSA or protein cancer test. The reason why I identify my state is because I have an NP who was rather deficient in many areas. There never was any consult to the monitoring MD. Success to you!

You can follow these general steps:

Review your health insurance plan to ensure that you are eligible to switch your PCP. Some health plans may require you to choose a new PCP during specific enrollment periods or have limitations on how often you can make changes.

Research potential new PCPs to find a doctor that meets your needs and preferences. You may want to consider factors such as location, availability, specialty, and language spoken.

Once you have identified a new PCP, contact their office to ensure that they are accepting new patients and that they are covered by your insurance plan. You may also want to verify that the doctor is in good standing and has no disciplinary actions against them.

Notify your current PCP that you will be changing doctors. You may need to provide a reason for the switch and complete any necessary paperwork or forms.

Contact your insurance company to inform them of the change and ensure that your new PCP is listed as your primary care provider.

Schedule an appointment with your new PCP to establish care and discuss any medical history or concerns.