Finding physicians that take Medicare in your area is an important issue to consider when picking a Medicare plan. Finding out who accepts Medicare is critical whether you’re looking for a clinic, hospital, new doctor, or just want to keep the doctor you’ve been seeing. It all boils down to conducting some preliminary research before scheduling your next visit and asking the appropriate questions during your subsequent visit.
Continue reading to find out why it’s important to find a doctor that accepts Medicare in your area.
The importance of choosing a doctor who accepts Medicare
You can see a specialist who does not take Medicare, but your appointment and any services you get may be charged at a higher rate. This might result in a significant increase in the cost of your treatment.
You’ll be charged a negotiated and approved cost if you choose a doctor who takes Medicare. Your visit will also be billed to Medicare by your doctor’s office. In most circumstances, a doctor who takes Medicare will wait for a response from Medicare before requesting you to cover any cost differences.
How do I know if I have to use Medicare doctors in a provider network?
The sort of plan you have will determine whether or not you need to stay inside a provider network.
There are no networks if you do have original Medicare; all you have to do is inquire if the doctor takes Medicare. If you do have Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage), you’ll probably have to stick to your plan’s medical network.
You’ll be given a list of the providers to pick from if you purchase a Preventive Health Organization (HMO) kind of Medicare Advantage plan. If you choose an out-of-network provider, you may be responsible for a higher cost or the entire out-of-pocket expense.
If your Healthcare Insurance plan is indeed an Accountable Care Organization (PPO), you’ll have a little more flexibility in selecting your doctors who take medicare. There is still a network, but if you use in-network physicians, you will pay less and if you use out-of-network doctors, you will pay more.
Do I have to change Medicare doctors if mine isn’t in my provider network?
You should be allowed to see your existing doctor and obtain coverage for the appointment as long as they accept Medicare. You will need to locate a new doctor if they refuse to take Medicare or discontinue participating in the program.
If you’re considering enrolling in a Medicare Advantage, you may check with the insurance carrier directly to see if your chosen doctor is in the network. If not, you’ll need to find a new doctor or insurance company.
How to find a doctor who accepts Medicare
There are a few straightforward methods for locating a doctor that accepts your Medicare plan:
- Visit a physician compare.
The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) includes a service that lets you search for and compare doctors in your area.
- Check the Medicare website.
Many tools are available on the official Health website for locating Medicare-accepting clinicians and facilities in your area. For example, you may look up and compare hospitals and other providers, as well as see what treatments your Medicare plan covers.
- Check your insurance company provider listings.
Medigap and Medicare Advanced are Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage programs offered by commercial insurance firms. You’ll need to check with your chosen provider for a list of doctors that take these types of insurance.
- Check your network.
Check with your insurance provider to see whether your doctor is part of their network of hospitals and doctors if your Medicare coverage is offered via an insurance carrier with a network including doctors and hospitals. This may be done by phoning or visiting your insurance provider’s website.
- Ask trusted friends and family members.
If you have any Medicare-eligible relatives or family members, inquire about their healthcare professionals. Is the doctor paying attention? Is the office able to respond to their needs quickly and efficiently? Do they work at a time that is convenient for you?
The takeaway
Having a doctor they can trust and who is conveniently situated is a crucial element of most people’s healthcare. While it’s an extra effort, making sure your doctor accepts Medicare or is in your Part C network is critical to getting the most out of your Medicare benefits.
