6 Signs You Should Look For a New Primary Care Doctor

If your doctor no longer feels like a partner in your care, it may be time to reassess the relationship.

Over time, frustrations can add up. Maybe your appointments feel rushed, you're always waiting to be seen, or it's hard to reach your doctor when it matters.

You might leave visits feeling confused or end up managing your care on your own. Sometimes your doctor’s approach no longer fits your goals, or you learn they’re retiring or leaving the practice.

At PartnerMD, we’ve helped thousands of patients make the switch to a better care experience. With more than 20 years of experience in concierge medicine, we’ve seen the same patterns again and again. These are the most common concerns patients share when searching for a new primary care doctor:

1. You feel rushed or ignored.
2. You’re always waiting, and your doctor isn’t available when you need them.
3. Your doctor doesn’t communicate clearly.
4. Your care feels disconnected.
5. Your doctor’s approach doesn’t align with your goals.
6. Your doctor is retiring or leaving.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at each one and explore how concierge medicine can offer a more personalized, responsive experience.

1. You feel rushed or ignored by your doctor.

If your appointments feel more like a checklist than a conversation, it might be time to move on.

Maybe your doctor seems distracted, cuts you off mid-sentence, or is already moving on to the next patient before you’ve finished your thoughts.

In many traditional primary care practices, physicians are responsible for 2,000 or more patients. That often means appointments are brief and impersonal, typically lasting only 10 to 15 minutes.

In comparison, concierge doctors normally care for 400 to 500 patients, which gives them more time to focus on each individual.

Everyone deserves a physician who’s fully present, takes the time to listen, and makes you feel like your health truly matters.

If that’s missing, it may be time to start looking for a better fit.

2. You’re always waiting, and your doctor isn’t available when you need them.

If it regularly takes a week or longer to get on your doctor’s schedule, that may be a sign they are stretched too thin. Whether you're dealing with an illness, managing a condition, or trying to stay ahead of your health, that kind of delay can be both frustrating and risky.

Even once your appointment day arrives, the waiting often continues. You may find yourself sitting in the lobby or exam room for long periods before your doctor is even available.

This is often the result of packed schedules and high patient demand, leaving little flexibility to stay on time or respond quickly when something urgent comes up.

If you’re constantly waiting before the visit, sitting too long at the office, or struggling to get timely follow-up, it may be time to look elsewhere.

Many concierge practices provide same-day or next-day sick visits, on-time appointments, and 24/7 communication with your physician so you can get the care you need without unnecessary delays. 

3. Your doctor doesn’t communicate clearly or leaves you confused.

One of the clearest signs it's time to move on is when communication feels like a constant struggle. Maybe your doctor doesn’t explain things thoroughly, rushes through your questions, or leaves you confused about your next steps.

Poor communication isn’t just frustrating. It can be dangerous. According to research from the National Library of Medicine, ineffective communication between doctors and patients has been linked to reduced treatment adherence, higher rates of medical errors, and even serious complications like misdiagnosis or incorrect medication use.

A doctor who doesn’t take the time to listen, clarify, and engage could be putting your health at risk. Clear, respectful communication builds trust and leads to better care.

If your current doctor isn't providing that, it may be time to start planning a transition to concierge medicine.

4. Your care feels disconnected, and you're left managing it alone.

If you're managing a chronic condition, recovering from surgery, or seeing multiple specialists, you need a doctor who helps connect the dots.

But in many traditional practices, you're left doing the legwork. You’re the one tracking referrals, following up on test results, and repeating your medical history at every visit.

When care is fragmented, it's easy for important information to be missed. And without someone actively coordinating your care, your health can suffer.

Concierge medicine makes this process simpler. With more time, fewer patients, and a stronger focus on continuity, your physician is better equipped to stay involved in every part of your care. If no one seems to be looking at the big picture, it may be time to find a doctor who will.

If no one seems to be looking at the big picture, it may be time to find a doctor who will.

5. Your doctor’s approach doesn’t align with your health goals.

Maybe you want to focus on prevention and lifestyle changes, but your doctor always reaches for a prescription.

Or maybe you prefer a more proactive approach, but your doctor seems reactive or out of sync with your goals.

Your care should reflect your values and priorities. Concierge medicine is designed to support a more personalized and preventive approach to care, providing you with a partner in your long-term health.

6. Your doctor is retiring or leaving the practice.

Whether it's retirement, relocation, or a career change, doctors move on. And when they do, it can leave you wondering where to turn.

You may not just be losing a familiar face. You may also be losing someone who understands the full picture of your health.

Even with records in hand, starting over can feel like a setback. A new physician won’t automatically know your preferences, your family history, or the context behind past decisions.

This kind of transition is a chance to think more intentionally about what you want moving forward. Do you need longer appointments? Easier access? A more proactive approach to your long-term health?

Sometimes, change is out of your control. But it can also be the right moment to find a doctor who offers the care experience you’ve been looking for.

Still Wondering If It’s Time to Switch Doctors?

If you’re experiencing short, rushed visits, long wait times, poor communication, fragmented care, or a misalignment in how your doctor approaches your health, you’re not alone.

These are some of the most common reasons patients begin to question whether their current primary care experience is still working for them.

Concierge medicine is designed to address many of these frustrations. With more time for each visit, easier access to your physician, stronger communication, and a focus on coordination and prevention, this model helps you build a true partnership with your doctor.

It’s a more personalized, proactive approach to care that puts your health first.

Your Next Step

Take our free Primary Care Experience Check-Up to see how your current care stacks up. It is a quick, simple way to help you determine whether it is time to find a new primary care doctor and whether concierge medicine could be a better fit.

At PartnerMD, we have helped thousands of patients make a thoughtful transition to care that truly fits their needs. Let us help you take that next step toward better health.

Want to learn more about concierge medicine? Download our free Understanding Concierge Medicine e-book.