How to Find New Health Care Providers After Relocating
January 28, 2025
by Morayma MaKay
Corporate Relocation Consultant & Coach
Get-Ready-Set-Move
“A few great ideas to find new trusted providers.”
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One important task that’s often overlooked during the relocation process is finding new health care providers. Whether it’s a primary care physician, a dentist, or a specialist, securing the right health care is a major priority for maintaining your well-being and peace of mind in your new hometown.
If you’re wondering where to start, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Here are some great ways to find trusted health care providers after relocating:
Start With Your Health Insurance Network
Before you begin your search, check with your health insurance provider as most insurers offer online directories where you can search for in-network doctors, dentists, and specialists in your new area. If you’re switching insurance plans, make sure to confirm when your new coverage begins to avoid gaps in care.
Ask for Recommendations
Word-of-mouth referrals are one of the best ways to find health care providers you can trust. If you know people in your new city, ask for their recommendations for doctors, dentists, or specialists. If you don’t have trusted sources in your new area, join local Facebook groups, neighborhood forums like Nextdoor, or Reddit communities for your new city to see who and what people are recommending. People in these groups are often happy to share their experiences and advice!
Check Online Reviews and Ratings
While recommendations are a great starting point, nothing beats doing your own research. Start by reading reviews on websites like Healthgrades, Zocdoc, and Yelp which will allow you to search for providers and read reviews from other patients. While no provider is perfect, be cautious of reviews that mention consistent issues with communication, billing, or patient care. Also make sure to verify that the provider is board-certified and has no history of disciplinary actions. You can usually check this through state medical boards or professional organizations.
Reach Out to Your Current Providers
Your current health care providers can also be a valuable resource when relocating as they may have connections in your new city and can recommend someone they trust. Once you’ve established care with your new providers, transfer your medical records to your new healthcare practitioners in advance so they have a clear picture of your health history right off the bat.
Schedule Initial Consultations
Once you’ve narrowed down your list, scheduling an initial consultation or meet-and-greet appointment can help you gauge whether a provider is a good fit. Use this time to ask about their approach to care, office policies, and how they handle emergencies, and pay attention to how well they listen to your concerns and explain things in a way you can understand.
Don’t Forget About Specialists
If you see specialists for ongoing conditions, finding new ones should be a priority. Make sure to communicate with your primary healthcare provider about next steps on finding a specialist and whether you’ll need a referral. Since some specialists have long wait lists for new patients, be sure to make this step a priority.
Be Patient With the Process
Finding the right health care providers takes time, so don’t feel pressured to rush. It’s also okay to switch providers if the first one you choose doesn’t meet your needs. Sometimes, it takes a few visits to establish a rapport and build trust with a new provider, and if something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and continue your search.
Relocating to a new city or state brings plenty of changes, but finding reliable health care providers doesn’t have to be stressful. With these simple tips and a little patience, you’ll be on your way to feeling confident and cared for—no matter where life takes you!
