I wasn't aware there was a special protocol for obtaining a new health care provider. You sign up with a new provider, tell them where to request your medical records from, done!

Do you feel that you owe your current provider an explanation?

You like the doctor and the staff, why would you leave?

I can tell you from experience, don't air the reasons for your discontent with the current practice. I found my ex-practice to be rather touchy about my comments that they weren't respectful of my time during appointments.

I agree with Angela, just get started with the new practice and go forward.

50 ways to leave your doctor?

No explanation required.

We found a new primary care provider scheduled our appointment, then that Dr had us sign to have all our records transferred to the new office. That's it no problem at all.

I just did this with my dentist of umpteen years. I called the office since I had to cancel an upcoming appointment. During that call I just explained the truth...I needed to find a dentist closer to home with office hours that were more suitable for me. Those issues made it easy and they totally understood. As mentioned, you don't have to do anything since the new doc will request your records.

If the reasons are medical and their actions could negatively impact the care of other patients then write a polite and concise letter stating why, mainly for your peace of mind that you did the right thing. Unfortunately, this could get you labeled as a "difficult" patient but I know that I wouldn't want to think that I did nothing in such a situation.

Several years ago I encountered a physician that provided very substandard care (he also misrepresented his sub-specialty) and I did complain to the owner of the practice, he admitted they had multiple other similar complaints. They did nothing about the situation but at least I did make an effort.

IF you think it's necessary to give a reason just tell him what you said in your OP - that you're going to the same doctor as your husband as you feel it will be easier to have both of you at the same practice moving forward. (ok that last part is a bit of stretch) and then thank them for their past services which you;ve been really happy with.

I agree. I wasn't happy with my endocrinologist. I found a new one and had my records transferred. Same with my optometrist.

If I was asked by either office I would be honest. I felt my endocrinologist had an inexperienced assistant and I was never able to talk directly TO the doctor.

My optometrist no longer accepted my insurance, so no brainer there found one that did.

Call your current doctor. Ask to have your records transferred. Hopefully they do not ask "why". If they do, say it's more convenient for you.

When I changed insurance, my dentist didn't take it....so I changed dentists. They were horrible! I went out, purchased my own insurance, not with my employer...went back to my old dentist. Then I broke a tooth. My dentist couldn't get me in for 6 weeks, so I went back to the other dentist. WOW....they were still horrible. No wonder they had an opening! Never again!

I recently changed my optometrist. Didn’t do anything except fill out the paperwork at the new office to have my records transferred.

Many years ago when I needed to switch to a different dermatologist. My current one was not respectful of appointments and had extremely long wait times on more than two occasions, both in the waiting room and then in the exam room. I told the receptionist to expect a letter. I wrote one as soon as I found a new doctor explaining my reasons and asking for my records to be transferred. All these people sat in the waiting room grumbling about it, and I said, ‘well, let’s all go find someone else’. I left that day. They all looked at me like I had lost my mind. I was likely the only one who did.

As much as I don't particularly care for my dentist, I have to say that when I have an issue, they have gotten me in.

I haven't changed doctors - although my endocrinologist who had been acting as my primary care was offered a somewhat sought after job in neuro-endocrine (pituitary), accepted and I lost her. Still miss her.

DH who has never been sick did change doctors. The man he'd been seeing for physicals was fine, not outstanding, and scheduling was impossible....long, long waits in the waiting room. He had to apply to the new doctor he wanted to see, was accepted as a patient, made an appointment for a physical and signed the release of records form. He made no explanations to his former doctor even though slightly awkward....he lives on our street, drives by and waves.

If you're staying in the same network, you can make the change in MyChart (if you have that service).

If you're fond of the doctor and staff where you are going currently, why change?

"...long, long waits in the waiting room."

morz8, it can really be a PITA! I do understand how things come up and appointment times get off, but they never seem to communicate that to people sitting in the waiting room...or apologize! Then they take you into an exam room and you wait some more. I once had a doc's office call to ask if I could come in an hour earlier. No problem. I got there and sat and sat until almost the original appointment time. I was MAD and let the receptionist know. She was NOT very understanding. Finally the doc came out to apologize. I told him they need to COMMUNICATE to waiting patients WHY they have to sit so long. A simple "We're so sorry" would have been nice. LOL, I get angry again just thinking about it!

Years ago we were having problems with the office staff at our ENT office. A DD and DH were both patients and we dearly loved the Doctor. But....insurance wasn't getting filed, statements came the day before they were due, and other issues. I told him at an office visit that we were leaving and why. Also that we really didn't want to but felt we had no other choice.

He was concerned and was unaware of the issues we brought up. He asked me to please put it in writing so it would help him take care of the issues.

If you are leaving and it is because of something office related, you might let the MD know.

I know that my new doctor will rapidly have my records transferred without my ever having to visit the other office, but it just seems rather heartless after so many years. There is a familiarity between us, it's a small practice.

rhizo, i totally understand your feelings. Maybe let your new doc handle transferring the records.
You could just send a nice note/card to your previous doc and staff...?

rhizo I understand your concern but the doctors in most cases simply do not care. Unless you have social interaction outside of the practice you are a client. You are making a business decision not a social one.

Some physicians do care, from either a personal or business perspective.

Patients leaving & joining new practices is common, often due to a change in insurance coverage.

If there is somthing about the practice that could be improved, that information may be welcome especially from an established patient. If hospital affiliated, the Press-Ganey "likely to recommend" score can affect bonuses.

The best physicians, esp. those who have been in practice for many years, often do not accept new patients because their established patients keep them fully booked.

Interestingly, even my vet knows exactly what % of their patients are new or established on a monthly basis; they work hard to not lose established patients.

When my son was just under a year old my husband's job changed Insurance and my current provider was no longer in their system. I told my Doc this would be my son's last "well baby" check up with her...she appreciated the news and went through my son's records one more time just to be sure she had all her i's dotted and T's crossed. My son has a mole near his eye brow. It appeared at about two months of age. She felt the need to discuss it. I guess moles at birth can be cancerous most often. She didn't want the new doctor to be the one who is concerned and telling me that. I have always preferred the model of "family practice" where the doc is dealing with the entire family. I think it gives them a full view and more likely to catch/notice possible issues.

I don’t like long waits in the waiting room any more than the next person but usually when I do have a long wait time it’s either because that doctor is in high demand, or he/she insists on spending the amount of time the patient needs as opposed to what was scheduled; even if that means running behind. IMO, it’s a win win either way.

"Some physicians do care, "

True. And some don't.

I give the same advice for anytime one needs to change an ongoing service relationship. Sit down at the PC (or at a table with a tablet and pen), explain in detail what your concerns are and why you've decided to move on. Now you've vented and can feel better. Toss the paper or destroy the computer file (no need to show it to anyone) and proceed with your plan for a new doc.

Docs are accustomed to patients disappearing from their practices, etc. etc. I wouldn't worry about it.

When my husband switched to mine (he did like his), we just said we wanted the same doctor. They were fine with it.

I'd like to thank everyone for your thoughtful comments; it means a lot to me that you took the time to share your opinions.

I've decided to wait for awhile to make my decision. I'm expecting some insurance changes in the near future and need to see how that pans out. But, I also feel that my heart just isn't in to making this move.....I need to pay attention to that voice.