[Wittesea]

When I have switched doctors, I would always look at the initial visit as an interview - I interview the doc to see if I am comfortable with him/her, and the doc interviews me to see if I am a patient that they would be comfortable caring for.

You could go on interviews for new doctors while still keeping your old doctor -- then if/when you find a new doctor that you are comfortable with, you can then officially switch doctors.

During the interviews, you should certainly talk about your schedule meds (making it clear you do not need refills during the first "interview" visit, but also making it clear that these medications work well for you). Talk to the doctor and specifically ask if they would be comfortable continuing your current treatment plan - also ask what their treatment plan would be if you did officially become their patient.

Many people who take pain medications (or other scheduled meds) become worried when interviewing new doctors because they want to avoid any appearance of "doctor shopping" (trying to get multiple prescriptions from multiple doctors). I take pain meds myself, so I understand this fear/worry and the need to be careful..... it's one of the reasons why during the "interview" appointment it is important to make it clear that you do not need or want any prescriptions until you make a decision and choose a new doctor.

It's OK to interview - that it not "doc shopping".... it only become "doc shopping" if the patient accepts prescriptions from more than one doctor (like getting a months supply for the month of April from 1 doctor and another months supply for the onth of April from a 2nd doctor).

I hope that helps - and I hope you find a good new doctor

take care,
Liz