Enrollment dates, plan availability, benefits, costs, and rules may be updated. Confirm current information at Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
The steps for changing doctors depend on whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan. Start by confirming your current coverage before scheduling care.
If you have Original Medicare
You can generally see any doctor or other provider who accepts Medicare and is accepting new patients. Ask whether the provider accepts Medicare assignment, which affects what they may charge for covered services.
If you have Medicare Advantage
Use the plan's current provider directory and call the plan to confirm network status. HMO and PPO rules differ, and some plans require a primary care provider or referrals. If the plan assigns a primary care provider, follow the plan's process to request a change.
Verify before the first visit
- Call the doctor's office and ask whether it participates in your exact plan.
- Call the plan and verify network status and referral rules.
- Confirm the effective date of any primary care provider change.
- Arrange transfer of medical records directly between providers.
If your doctor leaves a network
Ask the plan about continuity-of-care rights and replacement providers. Losing a doctor does not automatically create the right to change plans; enrollment-period and Special Enrollment Period rules still apply.