Helping a Parent Find a Doctor
Start by finding doctors in your parent's city, then call with their Medicare or plan card to hand. Ask whether the office is taking new patients with that coverage, and what it needs from you to talk about your parent. Only the office can confirm these answers.
Before You Call
- Your parent's Medicare card or plan card.
- Whether they have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan.
- The city or area they can get to, and how they'll travel.
- Their preferred days and times.
Questions to Ask the Office
- Are you taking new Medicare patients?
- Do you accept my parent's plan?
- Do you accept Medicare assignment for this visit?
- What is the first available new-patient appointment?
- Do you need a referral or records first?
- What do you need from us so that you can talk with me about my parent?
- Is the office easy to reach for someone who has trouble walking?
- Do you offer telehealth visits?
The specialty to look for is a question for your parent's doctor or plan. This site can't suggest one. Save doctors to your call list, which stays on this device, and print it as a call sheet. To print these questions, use your browser's print button.
Helpful Guides
- Checking for new patients
- Checking a plan's network
- What assignment means
- Talking to a parent's doctor and Medicare
For help with coverage, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. In an emergency call 911. In a mental health crisis call or text 988.