Transferring Pain Management Doctors

There are many possible reasons as to why you’ve decided to switch pain doctors. Maybe your old doctor is no longer covered with your current health insurance plan. Maybe you had to move to a different city. Or maybe you’re simply dissatisfied with the care you’re receiving. Whatever the reason you’ve decided to switch, once you’ve decided to change pain doctors, there are certain steps you should take to ease the transition and ensure that your chronic pain management regimen is not interrupted. The Texas pain specialists at the San Antonio offices of Dr. Raul Martinez have compiled an overview of what you should do when transferring pain management doctors so that everything goes smoothly. Read on to learn more about switching doctors and choosing the right pain relief center.  

Transfer Your Medical Records ASAP

During your last visit to your old doctor, you may ask them to transfer your medical records to your new physician’s office. You do not have to explain why you are leaving, but it is important to request your medical records be transferred—either to you or directly to your new physician—as soon as you know that you are making the switch, since the transfer can take some time. Legally, your doctor must transfer these records within 30 days, but they are able to get a 30-day extension under certain circumstances. If you do not yet have a new doctor chosen, have the records transferred to you so that the process does not get delayed; once you have chosen a doctor, you can transfer the records to them yourself.

Or, if you do not want to tell your doctor face to face that you are leaving, you can call their office after your last appointment to ask that medical records be transferred. You will have to sign paperwork in order to allow them to transfer your records (whether they are transferred on paper or electronically), but most doctors’ offices will simply email you a form and have you send it to them. It is important to note that some physicians’ offices may charge a small fee to transfer records.

Make Sure You Have Enough Prescription Refills

If you haven’t yet found a new doctor or are waiting for your first appointment with your new physician, make sure you have enough medication to last you until you meet with your new provider. Check your medications and contact your former doctor to ensure that you have enough refills to last until your appointment.

Research Doctors and Set an Appointment

To find a new doctor, first, contact your health insurance company and obtain a list of pain management doctors who are in your network. Once you have this list, it’s a good idea to go online and check out the websites and patient reviews for the doctors you’re considering. You should ensure that the doctor you choose is board-certified, which you can find out on their professional website. Don’t be afraid to ask around—ask your primary care physician if they have recommendations for a particular pain management center or specialist.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list, it’s time to call your frontrunners and find out if they are accepting new patients, how long it will take to get an appointment, and schedule an appointment with the doctor whose timetable works best for your needs.

Looking for a New Doctor to Handle Your Chronic Pain Management? Call Our Texas Pain Specialists Today

If you’re searching for a doctor in San Antonio who specializes in managing chronic pain effectively and compassionately, Dr. Raul Martinez is here for you. Unlike many other pain doctors serving the area, Dr. Raul Martinez is double board-certified in pain medicine and anesthesiology. Dr. Martinez and all of the physicians at his pain relief center specialize in both surgical and non-surgical treatment options, and will provide customized treatment plans to every patient based on their unique symptoms and needs. His team is passionate about offering patients the newest and best treatments available, while keeping customer service at the forefront.

To learn more about our staff and our values, visit our website today or reach out to us with your questions by visiting our contact page. And to schedule an appointment at our pain management center, simply fill out our patient forms, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.