You’ll need to find various services in your new location when you make a household move. Medical care is an important one.
You may need a general doctor, pediatrician, or specialist. Preferably, you want to find them close to you.
Here are tips to ensure that you have everything you need.
Research Options
Before you do anything else, it’s a good idea to see what is close to you. Pull up your new address on a map, and look for hospitals or clinics.
Pay attention to commute time and distance. The best option for you might be closer to work or public transit.
While you’re looking, take a moment to read reviews. Then, if there is a red flag, you’ll see what you need to watch for.
Get Recommendations
You can always get recommendations if you know anybody in your new location, and you can always get recommendations about healthcare providers. But, again, this is more likely useful for general-service clinics or emergency departments rather than specialists.
Ask people what they think about the provider. Then, get more information, like their history with the provider and the number of appointments they’ve had.
Be cautious when accepting recommendations. Your friend might have a different experience with a provider than you would, mainly if you’re not dealing with the same health concerns.
Search Your Insurance
Insurance providers often maintain lists of in-network doctors and medical offices in the area. If cost is essential, you may want to make this your first step.
Search for doctors and specialists in locations that are convenient for you. Then, cross-reference those lists with providers who have good reviews.
Although it’s a good idea to focus on services in your insurance network, you should understand the differences in coverage for out-of-network providers.
Locate Emergency Services
Emergencies come up, and you will have a better experience if you know what to do when one happens. Search for a variety of same-day, urgent, or emergency services close to your new home and work.
Making a short list with your top choices is not a bad idea. That way, you have alternatives if one is inaccessible for some reason.
If you have kids or special health care needs, seek emergency services with the relevant specialists. Then, you’ll have a better chance of getting the right kind of care.
Request Your Records
Once you choose providers for your family, you should ask your existing clinics to send your records to the new one. Requesting your records can take a couple of weeks, so it’s a good idea to do it in advance.
You might not see much purpose in maintaining a record, but it can pay off in unexpected ways. For example, without a medical history, your new doctor treats you without much context. Your record can help establish a baseline so you get more accurate care.
Finding the Right Help
Locating good medical care in your new home is essential to moving. Selecting the right moving company to help is important, too. Contact us for a quote!