Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
This is the distinction that decides how useful this directory is to you. Read this first if you're not sure which type of Medicare coverage you have.
Original Medicare
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is run directly by the federal government. You can generally see any doctor or hospital in the country that's enrolled in Medicare — no network, and no referral needed to see a specialist. Every provider listed on this site is enrolled in Original Medicare, which is exactly what this directory is built from. Costs are set nationally: after your Part B deductible, you typically pay 20% coinsurance for covered services, and a provider who accepts assignment can't charge you more than that. See how assignment affects your bill →
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage is a different way to get your Medicare benefits — through a private insurance company approved by Medicare, instead of directly from the government. These plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers, and most also bundle in Part D drug coverage and sometimes extra benefits like dental, vision, or hearing that Original Medicare doesn't include. In exchange, most plans restrict you to a network of providers — HMO-style plans generally require in-network care and referrals, while PPO-style plans allow out-of-network care at a higher cost. The plan, not Medicare, sets your specific copays and coinsurance.
Why this matters for using this site
Because this directory is built from Medicare enrollment data, a listing here tells you a clinician can bill Original Medicare — it does not tell you whether they're in-network for your specific Medicare Advantage plan. If you have Medicare Advantage, check your plan's own provider directory first, then use this site as a starting point and confirm with the office. If you have Original Medicare, this directory reflects your actual coverage rules directly.
A quick comparison
- Choosing a provider: Original Medicare — any enrolled provider nationwide. Medicare Advantage — generally limited to the plan's network.
- Referrals: Original Medicare — none needed. Medicare Advantage — often required for specialists (HMO plans).
- Extra benefits (dental, vision, hearing): Original Medicare — not included. Medicare Advantage — often included, varies by plan.
- Who sets your costs: Original Medicare — set by federal rules nationwide. Medicare Advantage — set by the individual plan each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this directory work for Medicare Advantage?
Not directly. This site is built from Medicare enrollment data, which reflects Original Medicare. A provider listed here is enrolled in Medicare, but whether they're in your specific Medicare Advantage plan's network is a separate question — check your plan's own directory.
Can I see any doctor with Original Medicare?
Yes, with Original Medicare you can generally see any doctor or hospital in the country that's enrolled in Medicare, with no network restriction and no referral needed to see a specialist.
Which one has lower monthly costs?
Medicare Advantage plans often have low or $0 premiums beyond your Part B premium, but the plan (not Medicare) sets your cost-sharing for covered services, and you're generally limited to its network. Original Medicare has more predictable, uniform cost-sharing rules nationwide, especially paired with a Medigap policy.
Do Medicare Advantage plans cover extra benefits?
Many do — dental, vision, or hearing benefits that Original Medicare doesn't include. Coverage varies a lot by plan, so compare specific benefits and networks before choosing.
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Sources: Medicare.gov, "Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)". This is directory and program information, not medical or insurance advice. Last reviewed August 2026.