Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

How do I conduct a search?

From the MedicareFind home page, type your phrase into the search box and click "Find."

I'm prompted for a username and password when I click on a search result. How do I view the document?

You can conduct free MedicareFind searches and view the top ten results without logging in. To view more results or actual documents, you must log in as a trial user or paid subscriber with a username and password.

I conducted a search. How do I change my search terms?

Click within the search box on the results page, then delete or add terms to your search. Click the "Find" button to conduct a search with your new terms.

Can I browse the database?

Yes. From the MedicareFind home, leave the search box empty and click "Find." When the results page appears, you can use the links on the left of the page to view documents of a particular type (e.g., transmittals), from a particular source (e.g., CMS), or from a particular time period (e.g., 2002).

I can't find the right document. Can you help?

Read our MedicareFind tips to learn more about refining your results.

I've found the document I want. How can I return to it later?

You can print the document, save it to your computer, or bookmark the page in your Web browser.

I've found the document, but it's very long. How can I find the particular section that I'm interested in?

MedicareFind users can take advantage of a feature that makes this process quicker and easier. Now, when you open a PDF file (such as a final rule or manual chapter), MedicareFind will work with your Adobe PDF reader to create a hyperlinked list of where your keywords are present in the document. This list will automatically appear on the side of your document. Simply scan the list and click on whatever link seems appropriate—you’ll immediately be taken to that section of the document to find your answer.

Note: This feature works best with the most recent version of Adobe Reader, currently Adobe Reader 9.3. If you do not have this version, download it for free now. If you cannot or do not want to download the latest version, continue reading for some tips to make locating specific sections of a document easier.

You can use the "Find" function of your browser, PDF reader, or other application to zero in on the section of interest to you; you can often do this by using CTRL + F on your keyboard.

Keep in mind that it may not be best to look for your exact search phrase. Because the "Find" function within your browser, reader, or other application looks for exact matches, you should use a phrase that you think is common enough to appear exactly in the order you enter it. It differs in this respect from the MedicareFind search engine, which does not have to rely on exact matches in the text. Read our MedicareFind tips to learn more.

I'm looking for the most recent documents related to my search. How do I access these?

Use the "Sort by Date" option at the top of the search results page to see the most recent documents. For more information, watch our video.

I'm looking for documents of a particular type, or from a particular year or source. How can I narrow my search to exactly what I'm looking for?

The Document Type, Source, and Date links to the left of the search results allow you to filter your search quickly to find the right document. You can refine your results by document type (e.g., transmittals), source (e.g., CMS, OIG), or date (down to the year and month). For more information, watch our video.

I narrowed my results to a particular document type, source, or date. How do I go back to the more general list of results?

Simply click on the refinement again to remove it as a filter. Read our blog post or watch our video to learn more.

I don't understand the information that appears below my search result (e.g., Publication Date, Regulation #, etc.). What does this mean?

This is information related to the document that will help you determine the document you're interested in.

What does it mean when it says "Your query has been expanded"?

MedicareFind uses a thesaurus of acronyms, synonyms, and related terms to help you find your document. When your search term is in the thesaurus, the search engine expands your query and displays this message. By clicking on the "Show Expansions" link, and checking or un-checking certain terms, you can adjust these expansions to fit your needs. Read our blog post to learn more about query expansions.

Where does the "More Document Details" link go?

Click on this link to see more information about this document, including associated dates, document numbers, related documents, and other useful data.

How do I view more search results?

You can navigate between search result pages by using the links at the bottom of the search results.

How can I find LCDs for specific regions or contractors?

Local coverage determinations, or LCDs, are included in the MedicareFind database. Because these coverage policies apply locally, rather than nationally, you'll be interested only in the LCDs from your organization's local contractors.

Here's how you can narrow down to a specific contractor.

After typing in your query and clicking "Find," click on "Local Contractor." This is a filter available on the left side of the results, underneath the "Source" section. Clicking this narrows your results down a bit, and it also exposes a menu of further options, allowing you to narrow your results by Contractor Type (e.g., Carrier, FI, Part B MAC, etc.). Click on one of these filters (your results narrow again) and this will expose a list of contractor names for you to click on (e.g., NHIC, Palmetto, etc.). Simply click on the contractor you're interested in and your results will narrow down to reveal only documents from that particular contractor, letting you see only those LCDs that matter to your organization.

What documents are in the MedicareFind database?

The MedicareFind database includes the following types of documents:

• Inpatient and outpatient proposed and final rules, correction notices, and addenda, and other Federal Register documents (such as the Stark regulations)
• NCDs and LCDs
• Transmittals/Program Memoranda, MLN Matters articles, and Job Aid articles
• CMS' Internet-Only Manuals and Paper-Based Manuals
• Sections of the Code of Federal Regulations

• Legislative acts, including HIPAA, MIPPA, and the DRA
• NCCI edits (physician and hospital)
• OIG audit reports and the OIG Work Plan
• CMS FAQs
• CMS' Open Door Forum conference calls (audio and transcript)
• CMS forms
• Corporate integrity agreements
• Fraud alerts

How often is the MedicareFind document database updated?

The MedicareFind document database is updated daily to ensure the most recent information.

How do I log in?

From the MedicareFind home page enter your username and password into the boxes in the upper right corner of the screen.

What is EasyFind?

EasyFind is a quick way of accessing documents related to hot topics. Clicking an EasyFind link sends you directly to that hot topic's most relevant documents.

How do I comment on a blog post?

To submit a comment after reading a MedicareMentor blog post, scroll to the bottom of the page and enter your name and e-mail address (not published), and comment in the appropriate fields. Then click "Submit.".

Is MedicareFind a secure site?

HCPro's MedicareFind respects the privacy of every individual who visits or is a member of MedicareFind. We want you to fully understand what information we gather about you, how that information is collected, how that information is used, and how you can control the collection and/or use of information about you. So, please read our Privacy Policy carefully.

I'm logged in, but I can't open the document. Can you help?

There are several possibilities.

The MedicareFind database contains documents in a variety of formats, including PDFs, Microsoft Word documents, and Microsoft Excel Worksheets. Your computer must have the appropriate application to open the file. Download Adobe Acrobat Reader for free to open PDFs.

If the appropriate applications are installed, the security settings on your computer may be preventing the document from opening. Please check your internal security policy and the use of pop-up blockers to ensure that you can open the documents.

Will my pop-up blocker cause problems when using MedicareFind?

It may. When you open a document, MedicareFind creates new windows or tabs in your browser. If you have an active pop-up blocker and encounter difficulty opening MedicareFind documents, you may need to adjust your security settings to allow MedicareFind to open new windows or tabs.

I'm prompted for a username and password when I click on a search result. How do I view the document?

You can conduct free MedicareFind searches and view the top ten results without logging in. To view more results or actual documents, you must log in as a trial user or paid subscriber with a username and password.

If you have forgotten your password, go to the password reset page. For more information about resetting and changing your password, read our blog post.

My username and password don't work. Can you help?

Your free trial period may have expired. Purchase MedicareFind or call us at 888/201-3650 (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) with further questions. For more information about resetting and changing your password, read our blog post.

My username and password don't work. Can you help?

If you have forgotten your password, go to the password reset page. For more information about resetting and changing your password, read our blog post.

Your subscription period may have expired. Renew your subscription to MedicareFind or call us at 888/201-3650 (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) with further questions.

Can I share the documents I access on MedicareFind?

Yes. You can print documents, save them to your computer for future use, or e-mail them to others. However, the MedicareFind Terms of Use prevent you from sharing your MedicareFind account with others. To inquire about a site license for multiple users, call us at 888/232-8915 (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time).

How do I sign up for a free trial?

Go to our free trial page to sign up. Free trial users have complete access to the MedicareFind document database for 7 days.

How do I purchase MedicareFind?

Go to our purchase page.

How do I purchase a site license for multiple users for MedicareFind?

To purchase a site license for multiple users, call us at 888/232-8915 (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time).

How much does a MedicareFind subscription cost? How long does a subscription last?

A one-year subscription to MedicareFind is $599. Seven-day trials are free.

How do I reset my password?

Go to the password reset page. For more information about resetting and changing your password, read our blog post.

I said 'no' to the license agreement. Why did it log me out?

You must agree to the license agreement in order to use MedicareFind. See our Terms of Use for more information. To view the license agreement again, log in a second time.

What are your terms of use?

View the terms of use.

What is your privacy policy?

View the privacy policy.