Healthcare Provider Information

Navigating and switching between healthcare providers

We have included some strategies to help with navigating multiple healthcare providers and switching between healthcare providers.

A front view of a healthcare provider wearing a white lab coat and a stethoscope around their neck speaking to a back view of a person in an office setting

Navigating multiple healthcare providers

To help communicate with multiple healthcare providers, we have listed several strategies for you to consider:

  • Keep a detailed medical record that includes current and past medications (e.g., name of medication, indication, dose, reason for stopping)
    • If you do not have a record of your past medications, you may be able to request it from your pharmacy
  • Communicate openly and build relationships with your healthcare providers (you may think some information about your medical history is not relevant to a certain specialty, but it is best to be as detailed as possible)
  • Take notes and create written or audio-recorded summaries from your appointments (e.g., questions discussed, next steps)
  • Understand the roles and responsibilities of different healthcare providers
  • Keep information of your healthcare providers (including appointments) in a central location (e.g., journal, binder, phone)

Switching between healthcare providers

You may have to switch healthcare providers for a variety of reasons. For example, yours is retiring, you are moving, or you are looking for someone more accessible.

To help with switching or changing healthcare providers, we have listed a few strategies:

  • Keep a detailed medical record that includes current and past medications (e.g., name of medication, indication, dose, reason for stopping) that you can give to your new provider
  • Work with your current healthcare provider to develop a transition plan (if moving cities, provinces, etc.)

References

Hardavella, G., Aamli-Gaagnat, A., Frille, A., Saad, N., Niculescu, A., & Powell, P. (2017). Top tips to deal with challenging situations: Doctor–patient interactions. Breathe, 13(2), 129–135. https://doi.org/10.1183/20734735.006616  

Perry, C. (2016, June). Managing multiple healthcare specialists. IG Living. https://www.igliving.com/magazine/articles/IGL_2016-06_AR_Managing-Multiple-Healthcare-Specialists.pdf  

Torrey, T. (2024, February 22). Making a smooth transition when it’s time to find a new doctor. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-change-doctors-2615474