Finding New Doctors Who Accept Medicare

It is estimated that the number of internists will decline substantially by 2025, and the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission indicates finding a new primary physician is becoming more difficult for seniors—meaning that Medicare recipients should begin as early as possible for the best doctor and get established and comfortable with that doctor.

According to MedicareSupplementPlans.com: Many Medicare recipients, are having a difficult time finding a new primary care physician. A 2008 survey conducted by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) found that by 2025 there will not be enough primary care physicians. In addition, an estimate from the American College of Physicians (ACP) that there won’t be enough internists to go around by 2025. Let's add one more issue: the ACP also indicates that current internists are becoming less willing to accept new Medicare patients.

According to Alan Weinstock, an insurance agent at MedicareSupplementPlans.com, many physicians are no longer taking Medicare because reimbursement rates and too much paperwork. With all these trends converging at once, Weinstock believes Medicare recipients need to shop early to find the best doctor—before they turn 65. "It’s traumatic turning 65 and entering an unknown area of new healthcare. So many questions…wondering if you asked the correct ones and were given all the correct facts."

“The impact on seniors of physicians opting out of the Medicare program hasn’t been a serious problem yet,” said Weinstock. “But if large numbers of physicians join the group that is opting out, it may be difficult for seniors to have access to affordable health care.”

This is why it is important for the 40 million Americans who have Medicare insurance or those who will be starting Medicare soon to start early in their hunt for a physician who still accepts Medicare. Many of the physicians who accept Medicare now may not accept new Medicare patients but will still continue to take Medicare as payment for the patients they already have if a good relationship is established. It is equally important that seniors take the time to determine the best Medicare supplement insurance coverage, since Medicare often does not cover all health care costs.

Robert Dowell of Visalia, Calif., understands full well the need to have someone knowledgeable when searching for the best Medicare supplement plan. “It’s traumatic turning 65 and entering an unknown area of new healthcare. So many questions…wondering if you asked the correct ones and were given all the correct facts.” But Dowell found all the answers he needed at MedicareSupplementPlans.com and says that now he “has a clear path on how to control my health needs.”

If you are a Medicare recipient now or will be soon, check with your doctor or a recommended doctor and check with the references in this article so that you will be prepared with a doctor who will accept Medicare benefits as payment for your treatment.

Filed under: General-Medicare

Tags: General-Medicare, medicare benefits, Medicare Payments, medicare recipients