Short answer: Before you leave, ask your current office for a copy of your records and a plan for your medicine refills. Ask the new practice what its fee covers and how you reach the doctor. Keep your health insurance until you know how you will pay for hospital and specialist care.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says that under the federal privacy law called HIPAA, you can ask to see and get a copy of your health records from your doctor. Ask for your visit notes, your list of medicines, your vaccine record, and any lab or imaging results. Also ask whether any tests are still waiting for results, so nothing is lost in the move.
Check how many refills you have left on each medicine, and ask your current doctor to make sure you will not run out before the new doctor can take over. Familydoctor.org says prescriptions may cost extra at a direct primary care (DPC) office, though prices are often highly discounted. Ask the new practice how it handles prescriptions.
Familydoctor.org says the monthly fee covers certain things at the office, and that other services, such as prescriptions, some lab tests and some procedures, may cost extra. The American College of Physicians says doctors in every type of practice should be open about fees, available services and typical charges. Ask for the fee and the service list in writing.
Familydoctor.org says a DPC membership is not insurance, and that DPC doctors rarely take insurance. You still need coverage for things the practice does not offer, such as emergency room or hospital care. Do not cancel your insurance until you know how you will pay for specialist visits, tests sent to outside labs, and hospital stays. If you have Medicare, ask both the practice and Medicare how your coverage works before you leave.
Try not to end care with your current doctor until your new practice has confirmed that you are a member and has your records. A short overlap can help you avoid gaps. If you are in the middle of treatment, tell both doctors. You can find a direct-pay doctor near you, read what direct primary care is, or see what direct primary care costs in each state. For emergencies, call 911.
Yes. HHS says HIPAA lets you ask to see and get a copy of your health records from your providers.
Not until you know how you will pay for hospital and specialist care. Familydoctor.org says a DPC membership is not insurance.
It is a good idea. The American College of Physicians says doctors should be open with patients about fees and services.
