by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Family Features – Getting health care for yourself or a loved one can be daunting, especially if you’re just getting started with Medicare or experiencing life changes, such as a new diagnosis of a condition or disease. Needing services like nursing home care, finding a new doctor, or getting home health care can be daunting.
Online tools like “Find Care Providers” on Medicare.gov make it easy to compare and choose doctors, hospitals, nursing homes and more for you or the person you are helping. Consider the benefits of using comparison tools to narrow your options. The tools provide a simple search and compare experience by entering a ZIP code and type of provider, contact information, and map of locations. It finds doctors, hospitals, home health care agencies, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation providers, hospice, and dialysis facilities. You can also see how patients rate their care experiences at hospitals in your area, and find home health agencies that offer services like nursing care, physical, and occupational therapy, along with their contact information. It even includes “star ratings.”
Medicare.gov also allows you to compare up to three different health care providers at once. When you’re ready to schedule a visit with a new provider, be sure to take time during your scheduling call to verify general information, including office location, whether they are accepting new patients with Medicare, and whether you need a referral to be treated. The same is true when comparing nursing homes.
Visit Medicare.gov/care-compare to access the tool and find health care providers and services in your area that fit your needs.
