Medicare and Your Doctor: Ensuring Your Physician is in Network

Posted by Ellen Miller
Estimated Reading Time 57 seconds

When enrolling in Medicare, ensuring that your preferred doctor is covered under your plan is essential for uninterrupted medical care. Here’s how you can confirm your doctor’s network status and avoid unexpected medical costs.

Check Your Medicare Plan

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) allows you to visit any doctor who accepts Medicare, while Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans have specific networks. Contact your provider to confirm coverage.

Use Medicare’s Physician Finder Tool

The Medicare.gov website provides a search tool that helps beneficiaries locate doctors who accept Medicare.

Contact Your Doctor Directly

Before making an appointment, call your physician’s office to verify whether they accept your Medicare plan.

Understand Out-of-Network Costs

If your doctor is out of network, you may face higher out-of-pocket expenses or need to find an alternative provider within your plan’s network.

Review Your Plan Annually

Medicare Advantage networks can change yearly. Review your plan to ensure it still includes your preferred doctors.

Being proactive about confirming your doctor’s Medicare status helps you avoid surprises and ensures continuity of care without unnecessary expenses. Work closely with one of our licensed insurance agents during your initial enrollment and each year thereafter during the Annual Election Period, and we will help you identify your needs and match with a plan that fits your circumstances.