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Second surgical opinions

In some cases, 

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

 covers a second opinion for 

medically necessary

 surgery that isn’t an emergency. Medicare will also help pay for a third surgical opinion if the first and second opinions are different.

Your costs in Original Medicare

After you meet the

Part B Deductible

, you pay 20% of the

Medicare-Approved Amount

. The second doctor may ask you to get additional tests as a result of the visit. Medicare will help pay for these tests, just as it helps pay for other services that are medically necessary. If the second opinion is different from the first opinion, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for a third opinion.

 

Note

To find out how much your test, item, or service will cost, talk to your doctor or health care provider. The specific amount you’ll owe may depend on several things, like:

  • Other insurance you may have
  • How much your doctor charges
  • If your doctor accepts assignment
  • The type of facility
  • Where you get your test, item, or service

What it is

A second opinion is when another doctor gives their view about your health problem and how it should be treated.

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