Medication & Medical
Transfer Checklist
A safe, step-by-step way to move medications, doctors, and records — so nothing gets lost between the old home and the new one.
Move the Health Care Safely
Medications and doctors are the last things you want to lose in a move. Work through these four steps before moving day.
Step 1
Build Your Medication Inventory
Before anything moves, write down every single medication — prescriptions, over-the-counter, vitamins, and supplements.
- List every medication: name and strength (e.g. Lisinopril 10 mg)
- Note the dose and how many times per day
- Note what each one is for
- Record the prescribing doctor for each
- Record the pharmacy and prescription number
- Photograph each bottle label as a backup
- Count how many days of pills remain
- Note any refrigerated or controlled medications separately
Step 2
Transfer Care Team & Pharmacy
Set up the new care team before the move so there is no gap in coverage.
- Ask your current pharmacy to transfer prescriptions to a new one near the new home
- Request 30–90 days of refills to bridge the transition if possible
- Ask each specialist for a referral near the new address
- Request a copy of medical records or use the provider portal
- Confirm the new primary care doctor accepts your insurance
- Get the new pharmacy phone number and hours
- Ask about delivery or mail-order options after the move
- Update the emergency contact on file at each office
Step 3
Time Your Refills
Never let a refill run out on moving day. Sync everything so the first weeks are covered.
- Refill everything that can be refilled before the move
- Call the pharmacy to sync all refills to the same pickup date
- Pack a separate "current week" bag that stays with you, not the movers
- Ask about early refills or vacation overrides if needed
- Keep controlled medications in their original labeled bottles
- Confirm the new pharmacy has all prescriptions active before you arrive
- Set phone reminders for refill dates at the new home
- Keep insurance cards and IDs with the medication bag
Step 4
Update Insurance & Records
Make sure coverage and paperwork follow your loved one to the new address.
- Update the address with Medicare and any supplemental plans
- Update the address with each prescription drug plan
- Confirm the new doctors and pharmacy are in-network
- Update the address with Social Security and any VA benefits
- Carry a printed copy of the medication list at all times
- Give a copy of the medication list to the new community or caregiver
- Update the pharmacy benefit card on file
- Note any prior authorizations that may need to transfer
First 48 Hours in the New Home
Emergency Information Card
Fill these in, print a copy, and keep one with the medication bag and one posted in the new home.
Full name
Allergies
Conditions
Primary care doctor & phone
Pharmacy & phone
Emergency contact
Nothing gets lost
between homes.
A missed medication, a dropped prescription, or a gap in coverage can turn a good move into a health scare. This printable checklist keeps the medical side of the transition organized and in one place.
Medication management rules vary by community and state. Always confirm with the new community, the pharmacist, and the prescribing doctor. This checklist is a planning tool, not medical advice.
Medication & Medical Transfer Checklist
Print it and check off each step
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