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kkaschke Asked June 2013

Does anyone the procedure to changing a primary care doctor when you're on medicare?

My in-laws have a terrible primary care doctor. He has completely ignored their obvious mental decline and my mother in-law doesn't even like him. There is a geriatrician in the area that we'd like to take them too. Does anyone the procedure to changing a primary care doctor when you're on medicare?

EXPERT Sue Maxwell, MSW Jun 2013
There is no special procedure--just do it ASAP!!! If your parents are not getting the proper care from their PCP, then shame on him. I highly recommend getting a PCP with a certification in geriatrics. Geriatricians have special training in working with the 65+ population. I think that once you make the change, you will be so very happy.

ejbunicorn Jun 2013
as long as the doctor accepts medicare, you can change doctors anytime you want to

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ellantz Jun 2013
Agree with ejbunicorn. I just did it recently with my father. Just stopped going to the previous doctor, and began with the new one. No problems.

ferris1 Jun 2013
I'm on Medicare and when I dislike a doctor, I fire him/her. Just do it!

RVHGSD Jun 2013
Check out your (potential) NEW Doc first with a 'test drive' office visit... let the NEW one know what you are doing. Sometimes, that office visit tells alot about their patience, communication skills and tolerance of you. If you like him/her + they accept you (+ Medicare)... sign a release at the NEW Doc office to release all records to the NEW doc. I HIGHLY recommend checking that NEW Doc out first...
or you will be Doc shopping again... not good!

N1K2R3 Sep 2014
Medicare is one of the great programs that came along with Social Security. It pays approximately 80% of your doctor bills, hospital bills and add-ons. Medicare Advantage is a different program. I did have "Advantage" and switched back to Medicare. I pay the extra 20% because the supplement is too high for me, but it is very do-able for most people.
Over 65 and love'in it.

signmeister Jun 2013
Just request that the old doctor transfer the records to the new doctor. We just recently did the same thing, having moved my M-I-L to our home state from Florida.

Seabean61 Jun 2013
I agree with all the answers given here for this question. Good luck and I hope that you can find a physician who will take Medicare. We have a problem here in CC Texas finding doctors who will take new Medicare patients. They are far a few between and sometimes you are stuck with the one you have because of this. These doctors know it and take advantage of the situation. It is a very sad result of what has happened to our Medicare program and is now happening with SS. I hope you can find a good doctor.

N1K2R3 Jun 2013
You may change doctors anytime you wish. This is the United States. ( I think).
Call or write Medicare and give them the name of your new PCP.

ferris1 Sep 2014
Medicare is also available for people with disabilities who are under 65 yrs.

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