This depends on their current patient load, and if patients move away from the clinic and find another physician or if the patient passes away. Many doctors have a certain number of patients they accept into their clinics that they know they can help and be there for without having to rush or not ever see them. Many doctors will accept new patients throughout the year, while some clinics continuously keep accepting new patients until all of their doctors are full, which then they will put a notice that they do not have any doctors accepting patients at this time. Most clinics will post this information willingly on their website or on a phone voicemail to let patients know that they are looking for a new doctor that they are or are not accepting new patients at this time.