Doctor & other health care provider services

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers medically necessary doctor services (including outpatient services and some doctor services you get when you’re a hospital inpatient) and most preventive services.

If you haven’t received services from your doctor or group practice in the last 3 years, they may consider you a new patient. Check with the doctor or group practice to find out if they’re accepting new patients.

Your costs in Original Medicare

You pay 20% of the Medicare-Approved Amount for most services. You pay nothing for certain preventive services if your doctor or other provider accepts assignment . The Part B deductible applies. 

Things to know

A doctor can be one of these:

  • Doctor of Medicine (MD)
  • Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
  • In some cases, a dentist, podiatrist (foot doctor), optometrist (eye doctor), or Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)

Medicare also covers services you get from other health care providers, like:

  • Clinical nurse specialists
  • Clinical psychologists 
  • Clinical social workers
  • Nurse practitioners
  • Occupational therapists 
  • Physician assistants
  • Physical therapists
  • Speech-language pathologists

Is my test, item, or service covered?