With original Medicare, do I have to wait until their next physical is due to change primary care physician?

Medicare should cover a new intake exam. His office will be able to tell you, or you can call the Medicare number. Call early so you can get through quickly.

Life doesn't happen on tidy schedules. People move, and they need new doctors. I don't see how the timing is any of Medicare's concern, except in relation to paying for a doctor visit. I'd just pay out of pocket.

I will say this, though -- if they have supplemental policies, you need to notify them of the planned change a few weeks in advance. I decided on June 20 to move my mother closer to me (different county) on July 5. When I contacted her insurance company to get a new doctor, they said I'd have had to notify them by June 15 to have her covered in the new county by July 1. She ended up continuing as the patient of her original doctor for an extra month and started with the new doctor on August 1. I think I paid only about $100 for a doctor bill in that extra month when she was seen by the new doctor. All her meds were covered as normal.

She ended up in the hospital three days after moving in, but that was covered as if she'd just been hospitalized in a different county from where her "official" location was. (Who knew an ambulance ride would cost $100 more in L.A. than in O.C?) All in all, the change wasn't a big deal.

Did you explain they just had their yearly exam labs and all? Me, I rather pay what Medicare doesn't cover than drive 180 miles to take them to their old PCP. Maybe it won't be coded as a yearly physical but as a new patient? You could call his office again and ask the person who does the billing how it works.

I realized I didn't address the Medicare aspect.   Honestly, I don't know, but if I were you, I'd call Medicare directly at its 800 number.   That's the best source of information.

I think there are a few issues at play here.    A new physician might (as is my experience) ask your parents to sign a medical release, then contact the current or to no longer be the primary physician to sign a medical release, by which the newbie can get a medical history.   

To me, that's a excellent way to handle a new patient, especially one with existing conditions that need monitoring on a regular basis.

I think the fact that your parents aren't "due" for a physical until later could be set aside, not only to get acquainted with and establish a relationship with a physician after the move, but also b/c the move could be traumatic, if not tiring, and your parents may need to be examined to ensure that there are no negative changes, then settle back into a longer period between physicals.

I'm not particularly impressed with PC physicians, but this might also be a practice of the one you contacted.   I would contact more than a few to determine which might be more appropriate for you and your parents. 

You might also ask the current PC for recommendations for your area.    That's probably the first step I would take.   And I've found some of the best doctors we had through recommendations by others. 

Who now treats your parents for diabetes and prescribes meds?   A specialist or a PC?    I would raise the issue with that current doctor; she or he might be able to contact someone who could treat your parents until (or if) they need to find a new doctor.

Also, in your area are there clinics affiliated with hospitals, ones which treat those whose values need to be tested regularly?  In our area, we went to a clinic affiliated with a local hospital chain for anticoagulation testing, but they also tested diabetic patients who needed regular testing. 

These are a lot easier to access than doctors, and were more convenient for us.   The staff was outstanding, as were the doormen and women.   Someone typically ran out to help as soon as I pulled up to the door and began getting out the walker.   They often just "took over", helping Dad out of the car and escorting him inside, safely.

You're wise to address these issues ahead of time so that plans can be made and treatment doesn't "fall through the cracks" of moving.

Best wishes for a safe and stress free move, and hope that your parents thrive when living closer to you.