Start with Medicare's official search tool

The fastest way to find a doctor near you who takes Medicare is the Medicare Provider Search tool on Medicare.gov. You enter your location, the type of doctor you need, and whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan. The tool shows you doctors' names, addresses, phone numbers, and whether they are currently taking new patients.

This search works for all kinds of providers — primary care doctors, cardiologists, therapists, dentists (if they take Medicare), and more. You can search by specialty or by doctor name if you already have someone in mind and want to check whether they take Medicare.

One thing to know: the search results show doctors who have registered with Medicare, but the list is not always current. A doctor listed may have stopped taking Medicare patients, or a doctor not listed may have recently started. Always call the office directly to confirm they are taking new Medicare patients before you make an appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare.gov's Provider Search tool is the official source and shows doctors by location, specialty, and whether they take new patients.
  • Always call the doctor's office to confirm they still accept Medicare and are taking new patients, because the online list can lag behind real changes.
  • Medicare Advantage plans have their own networks, so you may need to use your plan's search tool instead of the general Medicare search.
  • If a doctor does not take Medicare, ask the office staff whether they will file the paperwork anyway — some do even if they are not officially in-network.
  • Your state medical board and local Area Agency on Aging can also point you toward doctors accepting Medicare patients in your area.

How to search if you have a Medicare Advantage plan

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), the Medicare.gov search tool will show you results, but your plan's own search tool is usually more accurate. Your plan's website or member handbook lists the doctors and hospitals in your specific network. Seeing an out-of-network doctor usually costs you more or is not covered at all, so checking your plan's network first saves money and frustration.

You can find your plan's search tool by logging into your plan's member portal or calling the customer service number on your insurance card. Many plans also let you call a nurse line to ask for doctor recommendations in your area.

What to ask when you call the doctor's office

When you phone to confirm, have your Medicare card handy and ask these specific things: Do you accept Medicare? Are you taking new Medicare patients right now? Do you accept my specific plan (if you have Medicare Advantage)? What is your next available appointment? Do I need to bring anything besides my insurance card?

If the office says they do not take Medicare, ask whether they will file the paperwork anyway and let you pay out of pocket. Some doctors who are not officially in-network will still work with Medicare patients on a case-by-case basis. It is worth asking, especially if you have been seeing that doctor for years.

Using your state medical board and local resources

Your state's medical board website lists all licensed doctors in your state and often shows whether they accept Medicare. You can search by name or specialty. This is useful if you want to check a doctor you already know or if you want to see all doctors in a particular field near you, then cross-check them against the Medicare search.

Your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) can also help. Staff there know which doctors in your community take Medicare and can often recommend someone based on your specific needs. You can find your local AAA by calling the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or searching online for "[your state] Area Agency on Aging."

What to do if you cannot find a doctor in your area

In some rural or underserved areas, finding a Medicare doctor nearby is genuinely hard. If you have exhausted the Medicare search, your plan's network, and your local AAA, consider these options: ask your current doctor whether they know colleagues who take Medicare, contact a local hospital and ask for a referral list, or look into telehealth providers who take Medicare and can see you by video.

Medicare covers telehealth visits with many types of doctors and specialists. If in-person care is not available, a virtual visit may be your fastest option. Ask your primary care doctor or call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE to ask about telehealth options in your area.

Understanding in-network versus out-of-network costs

With Original Medicare, there is no formal network — any doctor who accepts Medicare can treat you, and your costs are the same whether the doctor is "in-network" or not. However, some doctors are non-participating providers, meaning they do not have a contract with Medicare. Non-participating doctors can charge you up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount, and you may have to pay upfront and file for reimbursement yourself.

With Medicare Advantage, staying in-network keeps your costs low. Going out-of-network usually means a higher copay, higher coinsurance, or no coverage at all. Check your plan documents or call your plan before seeing an out-of-network doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see a doctor who does not accept Medicare?

Yes, but it will cost you more. You can pay out of pocket and file for reimbursement yourself, though Medicare will only reimburse what it considers reasonable. Some doctors who do not officially take Medicare will still see you this way. Always ask the office first.

What if my doctor stopped accepting Medicare?

Call your doctor's office and ask why and whether they will make an exception for existing patients. If not, use the Medicare search tool to find another doctor in your area. If you have been seeing this doctor for years, ask whether they will refer you to a colleague who takes Medicare.

Do all doctors accept Medicare?

No. Some doctors choose not to participate in Medicare, and some have stopped taking new Medicare patients because of low reimbursement rates. This is more common in certain specialties and in rural areas. Always confirm before scheduling.

How do I know if a doctor is in my Medicare Advantage plan's network?

Log into your plan's website, call the number on your insurance card, or check your member handbook. Your plan's search tool is the most accurate source. The Medicare.gov search will show results, but your plan's own tool is more reliable for checking your specific network.

Can I change doctors if I am unhappy with mine?

Yes. With Original Medicare, you can see any Medicare-accepting doctor. With Medicare Advantage, you can switch to another in-network doctor anytime. If you want to switch plans, you have a limited window each year (October 15 to December 7). Talk to your current doctor's office or call Medicare for help finding a better fit.