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Does Medicare Cover the Cost of Getting a Second Opinion?

December 14, 2022 By Barry Crimmins

Female doctor sits in her office with senior female patient.You may be nervous about whether Medicare will cover a second opinion if you wish to confirm whether a medical treatment or surgery is right for you. Given the cost of doctor visits today, the prospect of an out-of-pocket expense for a second opinion is understandably concerning.

Under Medicare Part B…

Medicare Part B will help pay for a second opinion if a doctor recommends that you pursue a medically necessary surgery or another major procedure. In fact, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends that a person get a second opinion when their doctor tells them surgery is needed to diagnose or treat a nonemergency but medically necessary health issue.

However, “medically necessary” is a significant component of coverage. Medicare won’t pay for second opinions for surgeries or procedures that aren’t medically necessary. These include cosmetic procedures, alternative medicine, most dental care, nonmedical services, some vision, and other excluded services.

Remember, before seeking any second opinion on a procedure, confirm that the doctor accepts Medicare. Third opinions may also be covered if the first two opinions are different from each other.

If the second doctor orders additional tests, as long as they are medically necessary, Medicare will also help pay for these expenses. The payment structure will be the same as for the first opinion. After you meet your yearly Part B deductible, Medicare pays 80 percent of the approved amount, and you pay 20 percent, plus any copay.

What About Medicare Advantage?

You should also be able to get coverage for a second opinion if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan. Just remember that some Medicare Advantage Plans will only cover a second or third opinion if you have a referral from your primary care doctor and the second doctor is in-network.

Readers should also remember that just because Medicare may cover a second or third opinion, coverage of the therapy, surgery, or procedure is not guaranteed. Find more answers to your Medicare questions on ElderLawAnswers.com.

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Elder Law News, October 2023

Getting older comes with opportunities and challenges, but fear not, we have your back! Are you concerned about Alzheimer’s? While there’s no known cure, proactive steps can help with prevention. Meanwhile, guess what? Signing up for Medicare Savings Programs just got simpler! The Feds have streamlined the process, making it easier to tap into helpful benefits.

Elder Law News, July 2023

Looping our readers in on the issues that impact the senior community is always a priority. And this month, there’s much to share.

June newsletter

Elder Law News, June 2023

As a trusted counsel for all things relating to eldercare in Massachusetts, I wanted to share pressing topics impacting our beloved seniors.

march newsletter

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As the generation of Baby Boomers ages, many are finding their adult children aren’t in the financial position to provide support if long-term care is needed.

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As the generation of Baby Boomers ages, many are finding their adult children aren’t in the financial position to provide support if long-term care is needed.

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