People With Medicare

When will Medicare cover second opinions?

Medicare will cover a second opinion when your first doctor says you need surgery to diagnose or treat a health problem that is not an emergency. Medicare also will cover second opinions for certain types of major procedures that do not involve surgery.

You do not need an order or referral from your doctor to seek a second opinion. But it is a good idea to work with your doctor's office to get a second opinion. Your doctor will need to give your medical records to the specialist. Most doctors welcome another doctor's views. Many people get second opinions.

Second opinions and Medicare Advantage Plans

Your Medicare Advantage Plan can help you pay for a second opinion too, if you need it. But you may need to follow certain steps. You may have to get a referral from the plan and/or see a plan doctor for a second opinion, for example.

For more tips, check Medicare's Getting a Second Opinion before Surgery.

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