What to Do When Your Primary Care Doctor Retires: 7 Smart Questions to Ask

What happens when the doctor you’ve trusted for years decides to retire?

How do you confidently choose a new primary care provider when you’re suddenly on your own?

Whether your doctor gave months of notice or the decision came unexpectedly, navigating this transition can feel overwhelming. You may not know where to start or what to ask. And with nearly 49% of U.S. physicians now over the age of 55, more patients than ever are finding themselves in this exact situation.

At PartnerMD, we’ve helped thousands of patients navigate the shift to a new doctor over the past 20 years. We know the right questions can make the process smoother and help you find the care you truly need.

In this article, you’ll learn the most important questions to ask both your doctor and yourself to help you move forward with confidence.

Ask Your Doctor Before They Retire

1. When is your official retirement date?

You need to know how much time you have to schedule final appointments and prepare for the transition. Some doctors phase out gradually, while others stop on a specific date.

The more notice you have, the more you can plan, especially when it comes to finding a new doctor, refilling prescriptions, and wrapping up any ongoing care.

Patient Insight: It can take several weeks or even months to get an appointment with a new doctor. As soon as you know your doctor’s retirement date, start looking for your next provider so you have time to make a thoughtful choice and avoid a gap in care.

2. Can you recommend another doctor?

If your doctor knows other physicians with a similar approach, their recommendation can help you start your search on the right foot. Ask them to recommend someone with your health history and long-term needs in mind, not just someone available.

Patient Insight: Try to meet a new doctor before committing. A brief visit gives you a chance to ask what matters most to you and helps you feel more confident in your choice.

3. How do I obtain a copy of my medical records, and how should I transfer them?

Your medical records will not transfer automatically when your doctor retires. It is your responsibility to request them and make sure they are shared with your new provider.

Ask the office what the process looks like. Will you need to complete a form? Can the records be sent electronically, or will you receive a physical copy?

Also, ask how long the records will be available and whether your new doctor should initiate the request or if you need to handle it directly.

Patient Insight: Most state medical boards require doctors to retain your records for a set number of years and make them accessible to you. This means you have the right to obtain your health history, even after your doctor retires.

4. What should I do about any upcoming prescriptions, refills, or lab work?

If you are managing chronic conditions, have upcoming lab monitoring, or are waiting on specialist referrals, it is important to make sure nothing slips through the cracks. Ask your doctor if they can provide a list of your active prescriptions, lab orders, and in-progress referrals.

Some doctors may write extended prescriptions or send summary notes to your next provider. Keep in mind that some pharmacies may not fill prescriptions if the provider's license is inactive or if there is no ongoing doctor-patient relationship.

Patient Insight: Make a list now of all your current medications, upcoming labs, and referrals. Ask your doctor for written documentation to give to your new provider. This can help you avoid delays, gaps in care, or unnecessary duplicate testing.

5. Who should I contact at the office after your retirement?

Even when your doctor retires, their practice may continue handling billing, records, and follow-up requests for a period of time. Ask whether the office will remain open, and if so, how long it will continue providing support.

Get the name and contact details for the person responsible for helping you access your records, confirm past visits, or resolve administrative issues.

Patient Insight: Write down the contact name, phone number, and email for whoever will handle your records after your doctor retires. Keep that information with your health documents so you do not have to track it down later.

Ask Yourself Before You Choose Your Next Doctor

6. How would I evaluate the care I’ve received and the care I want going forward?

Now is the time to think about what worked well and what did not in your previous experience. Did you feel heard and supported? Were the visits long enough? Was your doctor proactive or reactive with your health needs?

Consider your stage of life and whether your future care will require more time, more access, or a different approach. Use this transition to define the kind of relationship you want with your next provider.

Patient Insight: Make a quick list of what you appreciated and what you did not in your past care. Then identify your top three must-haves in a new doctor. This simple reflection can save you from repeating what did not work.

7. Is it time to consider alternative primary care options?

If you’ve been frustrated by short appointments, long wait times, or feeling like just another name on a schedule, now may be the right time to look into other ways to receive care.

Concierge medicine is designed to offer more time with your doctor, better access when you need it, and a stronger focus on preventive care.

You might also explore other models, such as direct pay or online-only primary care, to see what best fits your needs and preferences.

Patient Insight: If you’ve never heard of concierge or direct pay models, now is a good time to do a little research. A quick comparison of how each one works can help you figure out which type of care might be a better fit than the traditional model you're used to.

Make the next phase of your care even better.

Your doctor's retirement might feel like an inconvenience, but it can also be an opportunity to rethink what you want from your care and choose something that better fits your needs.

By asking the right questions, both to your doctor and to yourself, you’re putting yourself in a stronger position to make informed decisions. Whether you want more time with your doctor, better access, or a more proactive approach, this transition is your chance to take control.

If you’ve started to question whether your current care is meeting your expectations, take our free Primary Care Checkup. In just a few minutes, you’ll get clarity on what’s working, what’s missing, and whether it’s time to make a change.