What defines a participating provider in the Medicare program?

A participating provider in the Medicare program is defined as a health care provider who has agreed to accept Medicare's approved payment amount as full payment for services rendered to Medicare beneficiaries. This means that the provider will bill Medicare directly and must follow Medicare's established fee schedules and billing guidelines.

By opting to be a participating provider, these professionals ensure that beneficiaries face lower out-of-pocket costs. They also benefit from increased patient access, as they are more likely to attract Medicare patients given their commitment to accepting Medicare's payment structure. This participation also facilitates smoother claims processing since providers have agreed to the terms set forth by Medicare.

In contrast, the other options present characteristics that do not align with the definition of a participating provider. For instance, providers who charge higher fees or do not accept Medicare payments altogether operate under different circumstances that do not contribute to the goals of the Medicare program. Similarly, a provider who operates without a license would not qualify as a legitimate participant.