People change doctors for a variety of reasons. Learning how to go about it properly can protect your health.

Some people maintain relationships with their personal care physicians for years. They’re fortunate enough to have found a doctor they trust and respect, and who has their best interests at heart.

Others change doctors because they move to another city or state, or their doctor retires or is no longer covered by their health insurance.

And in some cases, patients choose to find a new doctor voluntarily because of ongoing communication problems, or a lack of trust in a physician’s qualifications or ability to diagnose conditions accurately and treat them properly.

Other times people decide to find a different health care provider because their present doctor fails to provide timely follow-up regarding tests and screenings or his or her bedside manner lacks empathy.

Additional reasons for changing doctors include:

• An autocratic style that discourages questions or compromise
• Higher charges for services
• Failure to consider personal values

Whatever the reasons for your discontent, you have every right to terminate your relationship with one doctor and transfer your records and care to another one of your choosing, and to expect the transition to be handled promptly and professionally.

Do It Right
Choosing a doctor is one of the most critical decisions you can make. The following recommendations can ease the process.

• Choose a doctor who meets your needs. Make sure he or she is covered by your health insurance and is well-qualified to treat any chronic conditions you may have.
• Make it official. To do so, visit or write your doctor a polite letter notifying him or her of your decision and requesting a timely release of your records to your new doctor. Most practices will have you sign a letter authorizing the release of your files, test results, and treatment record. You may be asked to pay for copies or they may be sent electronically.

  Ask for copies of all medical records related to conditions you’ve suffered during the past five years.

  It’s up to you whether you wish to share your reasons for leaving. If it’s not due to problems, you may want to share your circumstances. If you’re leaving because of something you’re unhappy with, you may want to share your complaints so the provider’s other patients can benefit from your honesty.

• Provide updated information. When transferring your files, make sure they contain up-to-date medication records that specify what you’re taking, how much you take, and how often. This list should include prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements. You also should submit a current list of drug allergies.
• Share your history. Make sure your new physician is aware of the health histories of your immediate relatives so he or she can recommend an appropriate health screening schedule.
• Tell it like it is. If you smoke or drink too much, make your doctor aware of it. If you rarely get enough sleep or tend to be sedentary, fess up and ask for help in turning around these unhealthy habits.

Your doctor may be the person who’s supposed to fix your health problems, but it’s up to you to make healthy choices and comply with his or her instructions. Finding a physician you trust and respect is key to this important relationship.

By Barbara Floria, editor of Vitality. For more information, visit the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality at www.ahrq.gov and search for “choosing a doctor.”

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