Securing health care for yourself or a loved one is a big responsibility, especially if you’ve just started Medicare or have life changes, such as a new diagnosis of a condition or disease. . It can be overwhelming if you need services like nursing home care, finding a new doctor, or getting home health care.
Using online tools such as “Find Healthcare Providers” on Medicare.gov can make comparisons easier and help you choose doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, and more for you or someone you need. you are helping to provide care. Consider these benefits of using comparison tools to narrow down your options.
Do your research
The website offers a simple search experience that lets you find health care options near you. Simply enter a zip code and provider type to receive a list of providers, their contact information, and a map of locations. The information even includes “star ratings” and services provided. The tool can be used to find all kinds of providers, including doctors, hospitals, home care agencies, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation providers, hospices and dialysis centers.
For example, two sisters had to find a suitable retirement home for their father. It turned out to be a difficult and emotional decision. They didn’t know which nursing homes were in the area where he lives, so they entered his zip code and searched for nursing homes. They then received a list of each in their field, with notes as well as personnel data and inspection reports.
Browse reviews and service options
Using a laptop, desktop, tablet or mobile device, you can see how patients rate their care experiences at hospitals in your area and find referral agencies. home health services that provide the services you may need, such as nursing, physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
Contact information for local inpatient rehabilitation facilities or long-term care hospitals is available, along with palliative care quality ratings and specific care details, such as dialysis facilities offering dialysis training home.
Compare providers
Many factors influence who you trust with your health care. In some cases, family, caregivers, or friends may offer referrals to a doctor or medical facility based on their own experiences, and this can be a helpful guide.
Whether you have referrals or are starting from scratch, you can weight the health care providers near you using the Medicare.gov tool to identify the category of services you need, whether whether doctors and clinicians, hospitals, hospices and home care agencies, dialysis facilities, inpatient rehabilitation centers or nursing homes.
In addition to searching by your location using your address or a combination of city, state, or zip code, you can search by provider type and keyword to generate a list of providers that might meet your needs.
Find a doctor who matches
When you’re looking for a new doctor and don’t know where to start, the tool makes it quick and easy to locate and rate doctors in your area. You can find contact information, practice locations, specialty and hospital affiliation, and hospital ratings.
The “compare” button allows you to select up to three different health care providers at a time. When you’re ready to schedule a visit with a new provider, be sure to take the time during your scheduling call to verify general information, such as the location of the office, whether the office is accepting new patients with Medicare, and whether you need a referral to be treated.
Browse nursing homes
Whether you’re planning ahead or having to make an unexpected decision, there’s a lot to think about when choosing the right retirement home for you or someone else. Many family members and caregivers prioritize location so they can check in and visit frequently, but there are also many other important factors to consider.
Filtering options let you customize your results by sifting through the criteria that matter most to you, such as inspection results, bed counts, staff data, and more. And again, you’ll be able to view the retirement home’s overall “star ratings,” information that can serve as a guide to a provider’s track record and help you find a home that best suits your needs.
