How to Find a Primary Care Physician That Accepts Medicare

Finding a primary-care physician that accepts Medicare can be a challenge in some areas.

Fewer doctors are accepting patients with Medicare, which creates a problem for people over the age of 65 who need medical care. Medicare reimbursements to doctors have declined, which makes doctors reluctant to take on new patients who carry this form of insurance. People over the age of 65 may encounter significant challenges finding a primary-care physician who accepts Medicare in certain areas of the country. Fortunately, taking certain steps can make the process of finding a Medicare doctor a little easier.

Instructions

1. Visit medicare.gov and search for the "Medicare Participating Physician Directory" by using the search box.

2. Fill in the "Required Search Criteria" box by selecting "Type of Physician" from the drop-down box or "Other Healthcare Professional" from the second drop-down box. You can also use the "Optional Search Criteria Box" to search by gender or by physician's last name. Enter your zip code in the box underneath , and click "Search Providers."

3. Sort the results by "Closest Practice Location" or "Last Name." You can also modify the results by choosing providers within a certain radius.

4. Read the profiles of the doctors listed, and click on the maps to find out where they're located.

5. Write down the phone number of each physician who meets your criteria.

6. Call each primary-care physician. Verify that they accept Medicare and are willing to accept a new patient.

Tips & Warnings

• Call hospitals and state medical societies. They often have a directory of doctors who accept Medicare.

• Contact a local urgent-care center if you have an emergency and don't have a doctor who accepts Medicare. Many of these centers accept Medicare, but they usually don't provide continuity of care.

• Look for a primary-care physician who accepts Medicare before you turn 65. It's much more difficult to scramble around and find one if you're ill.

References

• "The NY Times"; Finding a Doctor Who Accepts Medicare Isn't Easy; April 1, 2009.
• Medicare.gov: Healthcare Provider Directory