Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Can Doctors Choose Not to Accept Medicare?

Male doctor with his arms crossed stock image

By Daniel Petkevich

Dec 8, 2022

Read this before going to the doctor

Over 90% of doctors nationwide accept Medicare, to match with the 96% of age-eligible Americans receiving Medicare benefits. However, that leaves over 9,000 physicians who have decided to opt out of Medicare,

according to KFF

. This number may continue to grow in years to come, which could mean an expensive visit for you. Let's talk through which doctors are choosing not to accept Medicare and what you can do to save money.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

How do doctors become certified to accept Medicare patients?

Doctors must enroll in Medicare's program to receive reimbursement for services they provide to Medicare beneficiaries. To do this, doctors must apply with a signed agreement stating that they accept the conditions and fees set by Medicare. Once certified, most doctors are obligated to accept all patients with Medicare insurance coverage.

Why do some doctors choose not to accept Medicare patients?

There are several reasons why some doctors choose not to accept Medicare patients. One of the most common reasons is that they do not feel that the reimbursements provided by Medicare cover the costs associated with providing care for these patients. Additionally, some doctors may have concerns about the paperwork or bureaucracy that comes along with treating Medicare patients. Other doctors may simply be overwhelmed with the number of patients they already have and don’t want to take on additional Medicare beneficiaries.

Some of the highest opt-out rates are among psychiatrists. According to KFF, over 40% of the Medicare opt-outs are from the field of psychiatry. This could prove challenging if you are among the growing number of seniors seeking

mental health

services.

There are some doctors that refuse insurance altogether, preferring to be on-call for private citizens willing to pay a hefty fee. These are known as

concierge doctors

, and they are becoming more popular in high-income communities.

What are the consequences of doctors refusing to accept Medicare patients?

If a doctor decides not to accept Medicare, then they will no longer be eligible for reimbursements from the program. However, this does not mean that these doctors cannot see Medicare patients. It simply means that the patient will need to pay out-of-pocket for any services they receive from this doctor and then submit a claim to Medicare for reimbursement. In some cases, doctors may also be fined or penalized for refusing to accept Medicare patients.

How can people find a doctor who accepts Medicare patients?

The best way to find a doctor who accepts Medicare is to use the "Find a Doctor" tool on Medicare's website. This tool allows you to search for doctors in your area who accept Medicare and meets other criteria, such as their specialty and language spoken. Additionally, many hospitals and healthcare facilities have lists of doctors who are participating providers with Medicare. You can also call your local Medicare office to get more information about finding a doctor who accepts Medicare.

What if your doctor doesn't accept Medicare?

If your doctor doesn't accept Medicare, you should ask them why they are not participating in the program. Your doctor may be able to offer alternative solutions that would make it possible for you to receive care from them while still receiving reimbursement from Medicare. If you receive care and they have opted-out of Medicare, you could be responsible for the full cost of the treatment out-of-pocket.

You can use the "Find a Doctor" tool on Medicare's website to search for doctors in your area who accept Medicare. You can also contact your local medical society or hospital to find a list of doctors who are participating providers with Medicare. Finally, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to speak with a representative and get more information on how to find doctors who accept Medicare.

Conclusion

A growing number of doctors may choose to opt-out of Medicare. For Medicare beneficiaries, it's important to make sure your doctor accepts Medicare. Otherwise, you could pay for your treatment out-of-pocket. For all your Medicare-related questions, talk with an expert at

Fair Square Medicare

.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

Recommended Articles

a chart explaining different enrollment periods on medicare

How Do I Sign up for Medicare? A Simple How-To Guide For You

Apr 8, 2022

Cover image

Can I Use Medicare Part D at Any Pharmacy?

Aug 28, 2023

Myelofibrosis stock image

Does Medicare Cover Jakafi?

Dec 12, 2022

Leg bones and knees, 3d rendering. stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?

Nov 30, 2022

stair lift stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?

Nov 18, 2022

Heart on Heart Rhythm Background Concept stock photo

Does Medicare Cover the WATCHMAN Procedure?

Dec 1, 2022

Ozempic stock image

Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?

Mar 28, 2023

Cover image

Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare

Apr 27, 2023

breast cancer awareness ribbon stock image

Does Medicare Cover Piqray?

Dec 2, 2022

Kidney stone stock image

Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?

Nov 23, 2022

Medigap plan letters on outstretched fingers stock image

How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?

Apr 12, 2023

Cover image

Medigap Plan N vs. Plan G — Which One Fits You in 2025?

Jul 14, 2025

An illustrated image of a cartoon man using giant scissors to cut the "T" in the word "Tax"

How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes

Dec 28, 2022

Doctor demonstrating upper cervical spine anatomy stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Cervical Disc Replacement?

Jan 20, 2023

Cover image

10 Top Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Companies for 2025

Jul 14, 2025

woman in a hospital wearing a bandana being shown information by her doctor stock photo

Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65

Mar 24, 2023

Cover image

Gap Health Insurance: The Secret Sidekick to Your High-Deductible Plan

Jul 14, 2025

Doctor physician consulting with male patient in hospital exam room stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?

Dec 9, 2022

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Columbus

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Phoenix

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Seattle

2024 Cost of Living Adjustment

2025 Medicare Price Changes

Can I Change Medicare Advantage Plans Any Time? | Medicare Plans

Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?

Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?

Do I Need Medicare If My Spouse Has Insurance?

Do I Need to Renew My Medicare?

Do You Need Books on Medicare?

Does Medicare Cover Abortion Services?

Does Medicare Cover Bariatric Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Boniva?

Does Medicare Cover Cala Trio?

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?

Does Medicare Cover ESRD Treatments?

Does Medicare Cover Exercise Physiology?

Does Medicare Cover Home Heart Monitors?

Does Medicare cover Hyoscyamine?

Does Medicare Cover Inspire for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Kyphoplasty?

Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?

Does Medicare Cover Linx Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?

Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?

Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Nexavar?

Does Medicare Cover Orthodontic Care?

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Does Medicare Cover Robotic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover RSV Vaccines?

Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?

Does Medicare Cover Wart Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Xiafaxan?

Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?

Does Medicare Pay for Antivenom?

Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?

Estimating Prescription Drug Costs

Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare

Fair Square Client Newsletter: AEP Edition

Finding the Best Dental Plans for Seniors

How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?

How Does the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Affect Your Medicare?

How Much Does a Medicare Coach Cost?

Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?

Is PAE Covered by Medicare?

Is Vitrectomy Surgery Covered by Medicare?

Medicare & Ozempic

Medicare Deductibles Resetting in 2025

Moving? Here’s What Happens to Your Medicare Coverage

Plan G vs. Plan N

Saving Money with Alternative Pharmacies & Discount Programs

Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?

The Fair Square Bulletin: October 2023

Welcome to Fair Square's First Newsletter

What Does Medicare Cover for Stroke Patients?

What If I Don't Like My Plan?

What Is a Medicare Supplement SELECT Plan?

What is Plan J?

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

What's the Difference Between HMO and PPO Plans?

When Can You Change Medicare Supplement Plans?

Why Is Medicare So Confusing?

Why You Should Keep Your Medigap Plan

Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.

Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2025

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2025 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M

Fair Square Medicare

FSM symbol - 50