I am moving my parents to my home 190 miles away from their home. I want to get a new physician close to my house. I found one but he said the new patients must schedule a complete physical. My parents aren’t due for one until July and August of this year. Will Medicare allow me to change physicians sooner for their three month diabetes and medication follow ups?
I will say this, though -- if they have supplemental policies, you need to notify them of the planned change a few weeks in advance. I decided on June 20 to move my mother closer to me (different county) on July 5. When I contacted her insurance company to get a new doctor, they said I'd have had to notify them by June 15 to have her covered in the new county by July 1. She ended up continuing as the patient of her original doctor for an extra month and started with the new doctor on August 1. I think I paid only about $100 for a doctor bill in that extra month when she was seen by the new doctor. All her meds were covered as normal.
She ended up in the hospital three days after moving in, but that was covered as if she'd just been hospitalized in a different county from where her "official" location was. (Who knew an ambulance ride would cost $100 more in L.A. than in O.C?) All in all, the change wasn't a big deal.
To me, that's a excellent way to handle a new patient, especially one with existing conditions that need monitoring on a regular basis.
I think the fact that your parents aren't "due" for a physical until later could be set aside, not only to get acquainted with and establish a relationship with a physician after the move, but also b/c the move could be traumatic, if not tiring, and your parents may need to be examined to ensure that there are no negative changes, then settle back into a longer period between physicals.
I'm not particularly impressed with PC physicians, but this might also be a practice of the one you contacted. I would contact more than a few to determine which might be more appropriate for you and your parents.
You might also ask the current PC for recommendations for your area. That's probably the first step I would take. And I've found some of the best doctors we had through recommendations by others.
Who now treats your parents for diabetes and prescribes meds? A specialist or a PC? I would raise the issue with that current doctor; she or he might be able to contact someone who could treat your parents until (or if) they need to find a new doctor.
Also, in your area are there clinics affiliated with hospitals, ones which treat those whose values need to be tested regularly? In our area, we went to a clinic affiliated with a local hospital chain for anticoagulation testing, but they also tested diabetic patients who needed regular testing.
These are a lot easier to access than doctors, and were more convenient for us. The staff was outstanding, as were the doormen and women. Someone typically ran out to help as soon as I pulled up to the door and began getting out the walker. They often just "took over", helping Dad out of the car and escorting him inside, safely.
You're wise to address these issues ahead of time so that plans can be made and treatment doesn't "fall through the cracks" of moving.
Best wishes for a safe and stress free move, and hope that your parents thrive when living closer to you.