Do you need to find a doctor that takes Medicare? Sometimes it isn’t easy. Are you turning 65? Does your doctor take Medicare? Most doctors do treat Medicare patients but many doctors are not taking NEW Medicare patients or will put you on a list and let you know when there is an opening.
In 2010, 75% of Medicare beneficiaries said they didn’t have a problem getting a doctor’s appointment for routine care, according to this year’s annual report by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, an independent congressional agency. The numbers were even better for people who needed immediate access to a doctor because of an illness or injury.
That was then.
This is now.
Medicare Doctor
If you’re having a hard time finding a doctor who accepts Medicare, there are resources available to help you. For starters, check out the Physician Compare tool on Medicare.gov by going to the “Facilities and Doctors” tab on the home page and clicking on “Find a Doctor.” There you can search for providers by specialty type and ZIP Code.
Just because a doctor is listed on the site does not mean they are taking new patients. Call and ask. Also ask if they take Medicare assignment.
You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE if you do not have access to the internet. Medicare service reps answer the phone 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, except for federal holidays. Yes, you really can talk to a live person at 3:00 AM.
All doctors that accept Medicare assignment will also take ANY Medicare supplement plan (Medigap) from ANY carrier.
That is not the case if you have a Medicare Advantage plan. Most doctors in Georgia do not take ANY Medicare Advantage plans and the ones that do may not accept YOUR plan.
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