How do I switch doctors?

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Switching doctors is normal, common, and requires no confrontation - practices see patients leave every week. The order that avoids gaps. First, secure the new doctor before leaving the old: confirm they take your insurance (or work on a sliding scale if you are uninsured), are accepting new patients, and can see you within a reasonable window - directories lag, so confirm by phone. Second, move your records: your records are legally yours to have transferred - HIPAA gives you the right to copies, per HHS, with only reasonable cost-based fees. Sign a release at the new office (they usually handle the request office-to-office) or download from the old patient portal and bring them; the core set that matters is your problem list, medications with past reactions, surgeries, immunizations, and recent labs and imaging. Third, time the transition around your medications: request refills before you leave if any are due soon - the classic switching problem is a gap in a daily medication while the new office waits for records. You do not owe the old practice an explanation, though a one-line message ('I have moved my care elsewhere, please send my records') is professional and closes the loop. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, that can help you plan the switch and keep your medication list straight through it.

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