Many of the new patients I meet tell me some version of the same story: "I felt like a number." Visits lasted five minutes. They couldn't get an appointment for weeks. Their doctor retired or left a large group practice, and they were handed off to someone they'd never met.
You are allowed to change doctors. And when you're managing several health conditions or medications, having a physician who knows you well isn't a luxury — it's one of the most important parts of staying healthy and independent.
Here's how to make the switch smoothly.
Signs it may be time for a new doctor
- You regularly wait weeks for an appointment when you're sick
- Visits feel rushed, and your questions don't get answered
- You see a different provider almost every time
- Your doctor doesn't seem familiar with the needs of older adults
- Refills and test results fall through the cracks
- You simply don't feel heard
Step 1: Check your insurance
Before choosing a new practice, confirm they accept your coverage.
- Original Medicare: Any doctor who accepts Medicare.
- Medicare Advantage HMO: You may need to choose a primary care physician in the plan's network and notify your plan of the change.
- Medicare Advantage PPO or commercial plans: Confirm the doctor is in network to keep costs down.
Call the new practice with your insurance card in hand. At Pinnacle Health, we accept Medicare, BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, and UHC Community Plan, and we're happy to verify your specific plan.
Step 2: Schedule your first visit — before you need it
Don't wait until you're sick. A new patient visit is your chance to share your full history while you feel well. Ask about:
- How soon they can see new patients
- Whether they offer same-day sick visits
- How refills and test results are handled
- Whether they offer telehealth for follow-ups
Step 3: Request your medical records
Under federal privacy law (HIPAA), you have the right to get a copy of your medical records, and to have them sent to your new doctor. Here's how:
- Your new office can give you a records release form. Sign it, and they'll request records directly from your previous doctor.
- Or contact your previous doctor's office yourself and ask for a copy.
- Ask for the most useful items first: recent office notes, medication list, lab results from the past one to two years, imaging and EKG reports, specialist letters, and your vaccination history.
You don't need to explain why you're leaving. Records requests are routine.
Tip: Many practices have patient portals where you can download lab results and visit summaries yourself. Do this before you leave so you have a copy on hand.
Step 4: Bring the right things to your first appointment
At Pinnacle Health, we ask new patients to bring:
- Photo ID and insurance cards
- A list of all current medications, including doses, plus vitamins and supplements — or simply bring the bottles
- Any recent medical records or test results you have
- A list of your other doctors and specialists
- Your questions — write them down so nothing gets forgotten
Plan for about 30 to 45 minutes. We take time to listen and understand your health history.
Step 5: Keep prescriptions on track
Make sure you have enough medication to last until your first visit with the new doctor, plus a little extra. If you're running low, ask your current doctor for one more refill to bridge the gap, or mention it when you schedule so the new office can prioritize you.
Step 6: Let your specialists know
Tell your cardiologist, endocrinologist, or other specialists who your new primary care doctor is, so they can send visit notes to the right place. Good coordination between doctors helps prevent duplicate tests and dangerous medication interactions.
What to expect at Pinnacle Health
Dr. Annie Khurana started Pinnacle Health because she was tired of 5-minute appointments. She is board certified in Family Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, and Hospice & Palliative Medicine, and was named a Phoenix Magazine Top Doctor in 2020. Our approach is simple: listen first, then build a care plan that fits your life and goals.
We welcome new patients from Sun City, Sun City West, Peoria, Surprise, and Glendale, and often have same-day or next-day appointments.
Call (623) 295-2952 to schedule your new patient visit at 10503 W. Thunderbird Blvd, Suite 262, Sun City.
This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace individual medical, legal, or insurance advice.