Start with Medicare’s provider search if you have Original Medicare, or your plan’s directory if you have Medicare Advantage. Then call to confirm that the clinician accepts your coverage and is taking new patients.

If You Have Original Medicare

Use Medicare's Care Compare tool and search for doctors and clinicians near you. Try primary care specialties such as family medicine, internal medicine, or geriatrics, which focuses on care for older adults, then review locations and Medicare participation information.

Call the office and ask two separate questions: Does the doctor accept Medicare, and does the doctor accept Medicare assignment? A doctor may see Medicare patients without accepting the approved amount as full payment for every service.

Also ask whether the doctor is accepting new patients.

If You Have Medicare Advantage

Use the plan's current provider directory or member portal. Then call both the plan and the doctor's office to confirm that the exact doctor and office location are in-network for your specific plan. A doctor may accept one plan from an insurer but not another.

Ask whether you must formally select the doctor as your primary care provider and whether the selection affects referrals or affiliated hospitals.

Compare More Than Coverage

Consider:

  • Appointment availability and telehealth options
  • Hospital and specialist affiliations
  • Experience with your conditions
  • Office accessibility, transportation, and language access
  • After-hours communication and care coordination

Bring your coverage card to the first visit and recheck participation before each new plan year.

When calling, give the exact plan name and ID, clinician’s name, and office address. Ask whether the clinician is accepting new patients with that coverage at that location. With Original Medicare, also ask about assignment. If the directory and office disagree, ask the plan to correct the listing and identify an available covered alternative.

Medicare policy sources last checked: October 8, 2026.