How to Change My Primary Care Physician on Medicare

Working with a primary care physician is essential in maintaining optimal health, preventing illness, and diagnosing conditions before they progress so treatment is most effective. But sometimes, it is necessary to change doctors. Maybe you are moving, your regular physician is retiring, or you simply want a change. Whatever the reason, it is important to know how to change Medicare doctors.

Switching Medicare Doctors

The first step in changing Medicare doctors is to determine what type of plan you have. This will guide you to the next steps. 

• Original Medicare (Parts A and B): With this coverage, you may go to any doctor who accepts Medicare patients. They do not have to be a member of an HMO or PPO network. You can use Medicare.gov’s helpful Physician Compare tool to find a list of doctors near you that accept Medicare.
• Original Medicare and Medicaid: If you have coverage through both Medicare and Medicaid, you need to make sure that your new physician accepts Medicaid patients. You can do this by contacting the doctor directly, as well as checking with the Florida Medicaid office.
• Medicare Advantage HMO: If you have a Medicare Advantage HMO (health maintenance organization) plan, you are required to select doctors within the plan’s network. Your primary care physician then refers you to specialists, if you need. All of the physicians in this network will be listed on the plan’s website, and you can request a printed copy as well. Select a doctor from the list and contact your insurance company directly to designate them as your primary health care provider. You can find your member phone number on the back of your plan ID card. When the change has been made, you will receive a new ID card.
• Medicare Advantage PPO: With an Advantage PPO (preferred provider organization), you pay less for services if you use doctors, hospitals, and other providers who are part of that plan’s network. If you use providers outside that network, you pay more. Find a list of preferred providers on your plan’s website or ask for a printed copy. To change physicians, call the new doctor to ensure that they are accepting patients. You do not typically need to inform the insurance company.

Changing your primary care physician is typically just a matter of filling out a form (often online) and/or notifying the insurance company. Again, it is also important to check in with your new physician to ensure they accept Medicare (and Medicaid, if applicable) and that they are accepting new patients.

Doctors Near Me That Accept Medicare

It is critical that you work with a physician who is a good fit for you. This ensures that you will be able to discuss your concerns, trust their opinions and advice, and achieve greater peace of mind that your health is in good hands. If you would like help with the process of changing Medicare doctors, the Benefit Coordinators at Cano Health are happy to assist. Medicare and other insurance plans are complex, and our team will help you navigate the nuances successfully. Our goal is, as always, to deliver personalized care and take a proactive approach to our patients’ health and wellness.

>> If we can be of service to you, contact Cano Health today at 855.CANOMED (855.226.6633).