Sometimes, you may want to get a second opinion on a medical recommendation or diagnosis from a different doctor. Original Medicare will pay for you to see a doctor and get a second opinion if a doctor has recommended that you have surgery or a major diagnostic or therapeutic procedure. Original Medicare will pay for a third opinion if the first and second opinions are different. The second and third opinions will be covered even if the surgery or other procedure is determined not to be covered.
If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, your plan must cover the same services as Original Medicare does, but may have different rules you have to follow. For example, the plan may only cover second and third opinions if you see doctors that are in network or if you have a referral from your Primary Care doctor. Call your plan to find out the rules for getting second opinions.