Jan 25, 2018
Errors in Medicare doctor networks are getting worse
A patient visits with a doctor. Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
More than half of the online directories that list in-network doctors maintained by Medicare Advantage plans had inaccuracies, according to a new federal report. Many errors involved the wrong phone numbers or addresses of the doctor's practice. And that's worse than the 45% of directories that had errors from a review released last year.
Why it matters: "These inaccuracies can create barriers for members to receive services critical for their health and well-being," the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said. And it could force seniors and disabled people who already live on fixed incomes to pay more out of pocket unexpectedly.