Resources for selecting a provider
MISSION,
Kan., Aug. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- (Family
Features) Getting health care for yourself or a loved one is a big
responsibility, especially if you're just getting started with
Medicare or have changes in your life, such as a new diagnosis of a
condition or disease. It can be overwhelming if you need services
like nursing home care, have to find a new doctor or get home
health care.
Using online tools like "Find Care Providers" on Medicare.gov
can make it easier to make comparisons and help choose doctors,
hospitals, nursing homes and more for you or the person you are
helping provide care to. Consider these benefits of using the
comparison tools to narrow your options.
A Resource for Research
The website provides a simple search and compare experience that
allows you to find providers near you. Simply put in a ZIP code and
the type of provider 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 sorts of providers, including doctors, hospitals, home health
care agencies, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation
providers, hospice and dialysis facilities.
For example, two sisters needed to find a nursing home that was
right for their father. This proved to be a difficult, emotional
decision. They didn't know what 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 one in his area,
complete with ratings as well as staffing data and inspection
reports.
Using a laptop, desktop, tablet or mobile device, you can see
how patients rate their care experiences at the hospitals in your
area and find home health agencies that offer the services you
might need, like nursing care, physical therapy and occupational
therapy.
Contact information for local inpatient rehabilitation
facilities or long-term care hospitals is available, as well as
hospice quality care ratings and specific care details, such as
which dialysis facilities offer home dialysis training.
Finding Health Care Services
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 that
can be a helpful guide.
Whether you have referrals or are starting from scratch, you can
compare health care providers near you using the Medicare.gov tool,
pinpointing which category of services you need, whether it's
doctors and clinicians, hospitals, hospice and home health
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
could fit your needs.
Finding a Doctor Who Fits
When you're looking for a new doctor and not sure where to
start, the tool makes it quick and easy to find and compare doctors
in your area. You can find contact information, practice locations,
specialty and hospital affiliation as well as hospital
ratings.
Selecting the "compare" button 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, like the office
location, whether the office is accepting new patients with
Medicare and whether you need a referral to be treated.
Comparing Nursing Homes
Whether you're planning ahead or need to make an unexpected
decision, there's a lot to think about when choosing the right
nursing home for you or someone else. Many family members and
caregivers prioritize location so they're able to check in and
visit frequently, but there are many other important factors you
may want to consider, too.
The comparison tool at Medicare.gov provides filtering options
that allow you to personalize your results by sifting through the
criteria that matter most to you, such as inspection results,
number of beds, staffing data and more.
You'll be able to check out the nursing home's overall "star
ratings." The information can serve as a guide of a provider's
track record to help assist you with finding a home that best suits
the person's needs.
Visit Medicare.gov/care-compare to access the tool and find
health care providers and services in your area that fit your
needs.
Paid for by the U.S. Department of Health & Human
Services.
Caregiver Guide
Making decisions as a caregiver can be challenging but taking
advantage of available resources can help you feel more confident
in your choices.
For example, Medicare.gov allows you to find information about
health care providers, hospitals, nursing homes, hospice, home
health agencies, dialysis facilities, inpatient rehab and long-term
care hospitals near you. The website also provides quality ratings,
so you can see the provider or facility's history of service, among
other details that help you make the most informed decision on
behalf of the person you're helping.
Michael French
mfrench@familyfeatures.com
1-888-824-3337
editors.familyfeatures.com
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