The most common reason a Medicare Advantage client is unhappy in January is a doctor surprise. Directories can be out of date, and federal reviews keep finding gaps. MedPAC's October 2026 presentation, marked preliminary, compared directories with who actually delivered care and described the directory system as having documented inaccuracies.
I'm Justin Brock. Brock has helped agents serve 250,000+ Medicare beneficiaries. For the 5-minute routine itself, read Provider Directories Can Be Wrong on justinbrock.com. This piece covers how your upline should support that habit.
What good support looks like
Tools that make checking fast
Quoting tools that show network information, plus a CRM where you can log who you called, when and what they said. See our tools.
A standard process
A short script for calling offices and asking the right question: is this doctor accepting this exact plan at this location for next year? A partner gives every agent the same playbook.
Network change updates
When a hospital system and a carrier are in a contract dispute, or a network changes, you should hear about it from your upline. Our piece on handling network disputes covers that.
Compliance clarity
Plans must maintain directories under 42 CFR 422.120. Agents should never promise access. Your upline should help you set expectations correctly.
Questions to ask an upline
- What tools help me check networks during an appointment?
- Do you provide a standard doctor verification process?
- How do you tell agents about network changes and disputes?
- Where do I document verification so it is easy to find later?
How Brock helps
We teach verification in weekly live webinars and at Medicare Agent Bootcamp, and our tools help you document it. See Agent Resources for current materials.
Want AEP appointments with fewer January surprises? Book a call with the Brock team.
Frequently asked questions
Why should agents verify doctors directly with the office?
Directories can be out of date or incomplete, as federal reviews have found. Calling the office and asking about the exact plan, location and plan year is the most reliable way to confirm a doctor is in network before a client enrolls. Document who you spoke with and when.
What should an upline provide for network verification?
Look for quoting tools with network data, a CRM to log verification, a standard calling script, prompt updates about network changes and clear compliance guidance. These help every agent on the team follow the same process during busy weeks.
Can agents promise a client their doctor will stay in network?
No. Networks can change during the year. Agents should confirm the current status, document it and explain that changes are possible. Setting that expectation up front protects the client and your relationship with them.
How long does a doctor check take?
For most clients, checking key doctors takes a few minutes per office. The justinbrock.com guide lays out a 5-minute routine for primary care, active specialists and preferred hospitals. It is time well spent compared with fixing a network surprise after January 1.