I'm considering asking my walk in clinic doctor to take over as my primary care doc.

[CTyankee]

My longtime PCP retired two months ago. I have a walk in clinic very close by so very convenient. And I like the doc there.

I don't know if he will do this but I will ask. And my medical records are now in another family practice office's in a nearby town. But this guy is really convenient.

He diagnosed my recent bout with bronchitis and had me follow up with a chest xray which showed that I did not have pneumonia. He's on top of this health issue with me and I like that.

What do you think about this idea?

[dixiegrrrrl]

1. Go for it!

I know it feels like you are being "unfaithful" to your current doc, but it is very common thing to do and docs know this.
It may be that the new doc won't be able to accept you as a patient for a dozen good reasons, so don't take it personally if he/she has to say no.

[HopeAgain]

2. what insurance do you have?

[CTyankee]

4. Medicare and AARP supplemental.

[HopeAgain]

6. Probably could then

if you dont have an advantage plan. I would ask if their EMR is set up to follow patients the same way as a primary care office, especially if you are being treated fotr any chronic conditions.

[elleng]

3. Do it, yank, if you like and respect him.

No harm asking.

[procon]

5. It depends on his contract with that walk in clinic.

Unless he owns it, contracted docs, either those who work directly with the clinic, or ones who are sent over from a professional agency to staff medical facilities, are only there for a short period of time. Many physicians moonlight in those positions.

Often those facilities just serve transient patients, those who pop in when they need something urgent or quick, but they may not be set up to process primary care patients so the doctors could not develop their own patents. Ask him to see if he's permitted to see patients as a primary care doc. Also, he may have his own practice separate from the clinic, and he might accept you there if he's taking on new patients.

[mopinko]

7. goferit.

have a friend whose primary is at a walk-in, and has had the same doc for years and years.