Change Of Doctor Form

The best way to update your address with your GP is to give them a call. If you're moving areas (and therefore changing GP's) you only need to inform your new GP. Their systems will inform your old practice.

If you have a medical card and you want to change your doctor, you complete a Change of Doctor form (pdf) giving details of the new doctor. Medical cards may be issued for a limited period with a review date on the card. In general, that means that the HSE will look again to see if you are still entitled to a card.

Don't worry about explaining why you're leaving. Request your medical records pronto. Research new candidates thoroughly. Make sure your new doctor can take you on.

You feel like your doctor doesn't listen to you. They interrupt you while you're explaining your situation. They don't contact you with important information in a timely manner. They don't make eye contact with you during the appointment.

You don't feel heard. You have a serious personality conflict. Your doctor is too stretched to serve you. Your doctor's approach is not healing you. Your doctor doesn't educate you. You can't be honest with your doctor.

If you detect that a doctor is indifferent or uncaring, it is best to steer clear. Warning signs of a bad attitude include being consistently cold, rude, or dismissive of your concerns. Good doctors are warm, interested, and engaged and will take the time to make you feel comfortable.

That depends on which part of the NHS you'd like to update (hospital, GP or dentistry). You'll need to update them all individually. Some you can do online, but for the majority you will need to call them and let them know about your change of details or change of address.

Don't worry about explaining why you're leaving. It's really fine to move on without telling your doctor why you're making that choice, says John Santa, M.D., a medical adviser to Consumer Reports. Request your medical records pronto. Research new candidates thoroughly. Make sure your new doctor can take you on.

People with cancer and their families often want to know how long a person is expected to live. Your doctor won't be able to give you an exact answer. Everyone is different and no one can say exactly how long you will live. But do ask if you feel you need to.