Why Isn't My Doctor Listed?
A doctor may be missing because they aren't in the CMS Medicare file, because this release covers only some cities and specialties, or because the record lacks a public office or phone. Being missing here says nothing bad about a doctor. Call the office directly, or check Care Compare.
Who the CMS File Covers
CMS lists criteria for a clinician's Medicare profile: approved status in Medicare's enrollment system (PECOS), at least one practice address, at least one specialty, and a Medicare claim or new enrollment in the past 12 months. The file holds Medicare data only, so doctors who don't bill Medicare may be missing, and children's doctors are few. CMS says enrollment changes can take up to 4 months to appear.
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.
What This Release Covers
- Doctors with an MD or DO, in 8 specialties.
- 20 cities in 5 states. We release in stages, so most cities aren't here yet.
- Doctors with a public practice address and a listed phone. Addresses that may be homes show the city only, and if that leaves no office with a phone, the doctor isn't released.
- Doctors who haven't asked us to remove their page.
Where Else to Look
- Medicare.gov Care Compare, the government's own search, covers the whole country.
- Your plan's directory, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan.
- The NPI Registry, to confirm a name and find a listed address.
- The doctor's office, by phone. It can answer what no directory can.
If you are the doctor and think something is wrong, see I'm a Doctor.
Common Questions
Does a missing listing mean a doctor doesn't take Medicare?
No. It may only mean the doctor isn't in this release, or the record didn't meet our rules.
Will my city be added?
We add cities in stages. We can't promise a date.
Can I ask you to add a doctor?
We list from public records only. Doctors can update their own records at the source.