If you’re planning on moving home it’s time to start thinking about switching doctors. If you’re moving out of your previous area, you’ll need to notify your GP and register at a different one, closer to your new address.
So, why do you need to inform your GP that you’re moving home? How does the NHS change of address work? How much does it cost?
We’ll answer all your questions in this guide, talking you through everything you need to about switching doctors when relocating.
Should you tell your doctor that you’re changing address?
If you’re moving home but are staying within the catchment area of your existing GP, you don’t necessarily need to change doctors. As long as you’re still fairly nearby, your current GP might still be willing to continue treating you at your new address. You can find the list of your closest GP service on the NHS website.
If you’re moving home and relocating to a totally different area, it is still possible that your GP will continue to treat you, but they will have to assure the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) that they’re happy to do so.
Either way, if you’re remaining with the same GP, it’s essential that you let them know you’re moving and where to. You can now easily complete your NHS change of address online.
How do you change GP when moving house?
If, however, you’re moving too far away or your GP refuses your registration, you’ll have to switch to a surgery closer to your new home and change address with the NHS.
All you have to do for the GP change of address is to register with a new surgery in the area you’ve moved into. Then, simply arrange for your medical records to be transferred over from your current doctors.
Before changing your GP, though, you should check which GP surgeries are actually taking on new patients. Once you find a few that are willing to treat you, it’s a good idea to look at what each one has to offer and how they compare against each other. This is important because some doctors offer services that others don’t.
How far can I live from my doctor’s surgery?
If you’re happy with the GP service you’re already receiving at your current surgery, and you’re not moving too far away, you might not want to change doctors.
If this is the case, then you will need to ask your current GP if they’re willing to treat you as a patient despite residing outside the surgery’s catchment area.
It’s then up to the GP surgery to decide if they can accept you as a regular patient or accept you without home visits. This might not be an issue for many people who don’t require home visits from their doctor, but this is something to bear in mind if you’re not well enough to travel to the surgery.
It’s also important to note that registering with a GP that’s quite far from where you live could have an influence on decisions about referrals for hospital tests and treatments, or access to community health services.
Does it cost to change GP?
Another factor that might influence whether you want to change GP or stick with your previous surgery is cost.
But, thankfully for you, changing GP doesn’t cost you a penny.
Can you register with multiple GP’s?
If you’re moving home and unsure whether to update your NHS address or stick with your current surgery, you might be wondering if it’s possible to register with more than one at the same time.
I’m afraid the answer is no. Unfortunately, you can only be registered with one GP surgery at any one time. That means you will need to choose between sticking with your current GP or moving to a different one closer to your new home.
Can you visit a GP you’re not registered with?
No, you cannot be treated at a GP surgery that you’re not registered with unless it is an absolute emergency.
If there is an emergency and your only option is to visit a GP you’re not registered with, you’ll be required to complete a temporary registration form.