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Change the GP on your Medical Card

If you have a Medical Card or GP Visit Card, you can usually change to a different GP if another practice agrees to take you on.

This topic helps you move from your current GP to a new GP on the Medical Card or GP Visit Card scheme.

Use this topic if you or someone you support:
  • Is moving to a new area and need a GP closer to home
  • Find it hard to get to your current GP because of travel or mobility
  • Want to attend a different practice, for example to join the same GP as a spouse or carer
  • Feel that your current GP no longer feels like a good fit and you want to change in a respectful way
  • Already have a Medical Card or GP Visit Card and now need to change the doctor listed on the card

If you do not yet have a GP for your Medical Card or GP Visit Card, see:

Note

This page offers plain language guidance. It is not a legal document.
Only the Health Service Executive (HSE) can make an official decision about a Medical Card or GP Visit Card.

Before you begin

Try to have:

  • Details about you
  • Your PPS number
  • Your home address and Eircode

  • Any current Medical Card or GP Visit Card details, if you already have one

  • Information that helps you choose a GP

  • A short list of GP practices near where you live that might suit you
  • Any access or transport issues. for example cannot drive, poor public transport, mobility issues

If you already know which GP you want to move to, you can skip straight to Step 2.

Steps

Step 1. Find a GP who accepts Medical Card or GP Visit Card patients

Most people start by looking for a GP practice near their home that:

  • Is within a reasonable distance of your home, and
  • Is open to accepting Medical Card or GP Visit Card patients if they have space

Think about anything that makes it harder for you to travel. for example walking distance, bus routes, or needing lifts.

You can:

  • Use the HSE Find a GP or equivalent search to see practices in your area
  • Ask neighbours, friends or family which GPs they are registered with

Make a short list of practices to try.

Tip

When you phone, note the name and spelling of the GP, the practice name, and the person you spoke to, in case the HSE later asks for details.

Step 2. Ask the new GP to accept you on their list

Each GP decides whether they can take you on as a Medical Card or GP Visit Card patient.

When you contact the practice:

  1. Say that you already have a Medical Card or GP Visit Card and that you would like to change GP.
  2. Explain if you are:
    • Moving into the practice’s area, or
    • Joining a family member who already attends that GP, or
    • Finding it hard to travel to your current GP
  3. Confirm:
    • The name of the GP who will be your doctor
    • The practice address

For some practices, the GP or receptionist may:

  • Ask you to sign a HSE Change of Doctor form in the surgery. they will use this to tell the HSE to move you from your old GP’s panel to the new GP’s panel. or
  • Use the online change of doctor facility and ask you to confirm your details. they will then send your information to the HSE so your GP can be updated

Important

A GP is not obliged to accept you as a Medical Card or GP Visit Card patient.
If they say no, thank them and try another practice from your list, or ask your Local Health Office for help.

Step 3. What happens after the new GP agrees

Once a GP has agreed to take you on, they or their staff will:

  • Complete a Change of Doctor form or use the online change of doctor facility
  • Send the details to the HSE so that your card record can be updated

The HSE will then:

  • Move your name to the new GP’s panel
  • Update your Medical Card or GP Visit Card record

Usually:

  • Your card number stays the same
  • You continue to use the same card, but now with the new GP as your doctor of choice
  • Your card and HSE record will show the new GP’s name

If you have ongoing treatment or long term conditions, you can:

  • Ask the new practice to request your medical notes from your previous GP, or
  • Contact your previous GP to arrange transfer of records in line with their normal process

Most practices will also help you make sure any repeat prescriptions continue without a break.

Step 4. If you cannot find a GP to accept you

Sometimes practices are full or not taking new Medical Card or GP Visit Card patients.

If several GPs say that they cannot take you on:

  1. Write down:
    • The names and addresses of the GPs you contacted
    • The dates you asked
    • Any reasons they gave
  2. Contact:
    • Your Local Health Office, or
    • The Medical Card office shown on your card or recent letters

Explain that you could not find a GP to accept you, and give them the list of GPs you tried.

In many cases, the HSE can help you to find or assign a GP who will accept you as a Medical Card or GP Visit Card patient.

You can also ask a Citizens Information Centre to help you present the information clearly if you feel unsure.

What to do next

After your new GP has agreed to take you on, and has completed the change process:

  • You can start using that GP as your regular doctor
  • Bring your Medical Card or GP Visit Card to your next appointment so the practice can check your details

If you are unsure at any point:

  • Write down your questions and
  • Bring them to Citizens Information, or
  • Phone your Local Health Office and ask to speak to someone about changing the GP on your Medical Card or GP Visit Card

If you changed GP because you moved area, you may also find Use your Medical Card or GP Visit Card at the pharmacy helpful.

You do not have to sort this out on your own.
The HSE and Citizens Information deal with GP registration for Medical Card and GP Visit Card patients every day and can help you if you get stuck.