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mahina

(17,659 posts)
Tue Aug 14, 2018, 07:08 AM Aug 2018

My doctor is going to retire in the next few years. I'm meeting a possible new GP tomorrow, don't

Know if I can tell him I’m not ready to make a change right now but know one is coming and would like to have a doctors in place when it does.

What are the most likely responses I should be ready for?

Thanks DU.

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My doctor is going to retire in the next few years. I'm meeting a possible new GP tomorrow, don't (Original Post) mahina Aug 2018 OP
Here's what I look for. Shemp Howard Aug 2018 #1
Don't waste the new docs time Ms. Toad Aug 2018 #2

Shemp Howard

(889 posts)
1. Here's what I look for.
Tue Aug 14, 2018, 09:43 AM
Aug 2018

A good doctor will ask you if you have any questions.
And a good doctor will listen - really listen - when you talk.
He/she won't rush you.

About 10 years ago my old doctor retired. At my first visit with his replacement, the usual examination things happened. He checked my blood pressure, listened to my breathing with a stethoscope, etc.

After the examination ended, he sat back in his chair and said, "Do you have any questions?" That was a good sign. And he turned out to be a good doctor.

You might want to do a Google search for "How to choose a doctor" for more ideas. Here are some good links:

https://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/how-to-choose-a-doctor#1
https://www.bcbs.com/five-tips-choosing-new-primary-care-physician

Ms. Toad

(34,072 posts)
2. Don't waste the new docs time
Tue Aug 14, 2018, 09:50 AM
Aug 2018

For something that is a "few years" away.

A lot can happen in a few years. Your doc decides to work longer, the new doc leaves medicine, or moves to a location you can't reach, or your insurance changeys and the new doc is no longer in network (or the insurance stays the same, but your doc terminates his contract with them), or the new doc stops accepting new patients.

If you're ready to change now, even if your doc keeps working for a while, or if your doc is ready to retire within a year, or you need a second opinion about something, it makes sense to scope out other doctors - but not for a potential new doc a few years out. That's a waste of their time and yours.

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