What to Bring to a First Visit With a New Doctor
Bring your Medicare card if you have Original Medicare, or your plan card if you have a Medicare Advantage plan. Bring both your plan card and Medicare card if you have supplemental coverage. When you book, ask the office what else it wants you to bring.
Which Card to Bring
| If you have | Medicare.gov says to bring |
|---|---|
| Original Medicare | Your Medicare card |
| Medicare Advantage Plan | Your plan card instead of your Medicare card |
| Supplemental coverage, such as an employer or retiree plan, or Medigap | Your plan card and your Medicare card |
If you forget your Medicare card, Medicare.gov says you can log into your secure Medicare account and print a copy to show your provider. Plans may offer online accounts to view your plan card.
This guide explains how to find and check care. It can't tell you which doctor or treatment is right for you. Your doctor or plan can.
Ask the Office Ahead of Time
Every office has its own routine, so ask when you book:
- What should I bring to a first visit?
- Do you need records from my last doctor, and how should they be sent? See moving your records.
- Should I bring a list of my medicines, or the bottles?
- Are there forms I can fill in first?
- What might I need to pay at the visit?
- Can a family member come with me?
You can save the office's number on your call list, which stays on this device.
If It Is Your First Year on Medicare
Part B covers one "Welcome to Medicare" preventive visit within the first 12 months you have Part B. Medicare.gov says you pay nothing if your provider accepts assignment. Ask the office whether your visit would be this one.
Common Questions
Is the "Welcome to Medicare" visit a full physical?
Medicare.gov says it isn't a comprehensive physical exam. Ask the office what it includes.
Should my parent bring both cards?
If they have a Medicare Advantage plan, the plan card replaces the Medicare card. With supplemental coverage, bring both.
What if I don't know which coverage I have?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.