Changing your primary care doctor isn’t always easy, especially if you’ve had a long-term relationship, recently moved, or are simply not getting the level of care you expect.
Maybe you're facing long wait times, short appointments, or a doctor who doesn’t take your concerns seriously. Or maybe your life has changed and you want a more proactive, prevention-focused approach.
Whatever the reason, making the switch doesn’t have to feel confusing or disruptive. With the right approach, you can take back control of your healthcare and find a physician who aligns with your goals and values.
At PartnerMD, we’ve helped thousands of patients navigate this transition. Based on 20+ years of experience, here are seven essential steps to make the process smooth and successful:
Understand your care options.
Define what matters most to you.
Get trusted recommendations.
Research the practice behind the physician.
Schedule a “fit” appointment.
Transfer your medical records efficiently.
These steps will help you avoid common frustrations and feel more confident as you choose your next doctor. Let’s look at each one in detail.
Not all primary care models operate the same way, and how your doctor practices can affect everything from how much time they spend with you to how quickly you can get an appointment. Here are a few common models:
Traditional primary care is the most common type of practice. It is typically insurance-based, and physicians usually care for large patient panels (often 2,000+). Appointments may be short, and it's not unusual to wait days or weeks to be seen.
Best for: Individuals who prioritize affordability and are comfortable with shorter visits and more standardized care delivery.
Concierge medicine is a membership-based model. It usually involves an annual fee in exchange for better access, longer visits, and a focus on preventive care. Doctors see fewer patients (around 400–600), which allows them to offer same- or next-day appointments, deeper relationships, and more proactive support.
Best for: People who want a long-term, personal relationship with their physician and value time, prevention, and convenience.
With direct pay, or direct primary care, patients pay practices directly, usually monthly, instead of using insurance for routine visits. It simplifies billing and often includes unlimited visits, but you’ll still need insurance for hospital stays or specialist care.
Best for: Patients who want affordable, predictable primary care costs and prefer to keep insurance only for major health needs.
Retail clinics and urgent care offer fast, walk-in access for minor illnesses or injuries. While convenient, they’re not designed for ongoing care or chronic condition management, and you’ll likely see a different provider each time.
Best for: Quick, one-time care needs, but should not be relied on as a substitute for a true primary care relationship.
Think about what matters most to you, whether it’s affordability, fast access, long-term connection, or proactive prevention, and let that guide your direction.
Credentials are important, but so are trust, communication, and compatibility.
Ask yourself:
Do I want a doctor who takes time to listen, or one who’s more task-focused?
Is a proactive, preventive mindset important to me?
Do I prefer a certain gender, care philosophy, or location?
How important is availability, such as same- or next-day appointments or after-hours access?
Am I looking for a physician who takes a whole-person approach, or one who focuses primarily on medical treatment?
Do I want a long-term relationship with the same physician, or am I comfortable with a larger team-based model of care?
Clarifying your must-haves now makes it easier to eliminate options that don’t match your needs.
Referrals from people you trust can fast-track your search.
Ask friends, family, or coworkers:
Do you feel heard during appointments?
Is it easy to schedule?
Would you recommend your doctor without hesitation?
If you’re relocating, your current physician may also recommend a colleague with a similar care philosophy.
No personal referrals? Platforms like Healthgrades and Google Reviews can be helpful, just focus on patterns in the feedback, not one-off complaints.
A doctor’s individual approach matters, but so does how their practice runs.
Visit the practice’s website and look for:
Their care philosophy and values
Details on appointment availability, communication, and follow-up
Any specialties, memberships, or services offered
Call the office to confirm logistics, such as:
Hours of operation
Whether they’re accepting new patients
Response times for urgent requests
This background check helps you avoid misalignment down the road.
Before you fall in love with a doctor’s approach, check whether they accept your insurance (if applicable). This step helps avoid surprise bills and wasted time.
Questions to ask:
Are they in-network with your current health plan?
If considering concierge care, what services are covered under the membership, and what aren't?
Will you need separate insurance for specialists or emergencies?
A quick call to the office or review of your insurance directory can save major frustration later.
Before committing, meet the doctor.
This initial consultation gives you a chance to evaluate their style, not just their résumé.
Ask questions like:
What’s your approach to preventive care?
How long do visits usually last?
How can I follow up if something comes up after the appointment?
Pay attention to whether they listen, ask thoughtful questions, and seem rushed or relaxed. You’re looking for the right fit, not perfection.
Once you've chosen your new doctor, make sure they have the full picture.
Request a transfer from your previous provider. Some offices will do this on your behalf; others may ask you to complete a release form. Electronic records can often be sent quickly and securely.
Tip: Keep a personal copy of key documents, especially if you have ongoing conditions, medications, or lab results that matter for future care.
Changing doctors is a big decision, but it’s also a major opportunity.
You’ve now got a clear path: understand your care options, define your must-haves, ask the right people, research thoroughly, confirm insurance fit, meet doctors with intention, and handle records like a pro.
If you're ready for a more personalized, prevention-focused approach to healthcare, where your doctor listens, knows your history, and works with you, PartnerMD is here to help.
Want to know how your current care measures up? Start with our free PartnerMD Primary Care Check-Up.
In just a few minutes, you’ll answer questions about your access to care, time with your physician, and preventive resources. Your results will highlight where your primary care is strong and where there may be opportunities to improve.