Medicare covers second opinions, and in most cases you don't need permission to get one

Yes, Medicare covers a second opinion. You can see another doctor to get their view on your diagnosis or treatment plan, and Medicare Part B will cover the visit the same way it covers any other doctor's appointment. You don't need to ask your first doctor, tell Medicare in advance, or get a referral — though telling your first doctor is often practical, since the second doctor will want your medical records.

The coverage works the same whether you're seeing a doctor in the same specialty or a different one. If your first doctor recommends surgery, you can see a surgeon for a second opinion. If you want to hear from a different type of specialist entirely, that's covered too. The second doctor bills Medicare under the standard rules for an office visit or consultation.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare Part B covers second opinions at no different cost than a regular doctor visit — you pay your usual copay or coinsurance.
  • You do not need referral, permission, or advance approval from Medicare or your first doctor to see another doctor for a second opinion.
  • Bring your medical records, test results, and imaging from your first doctor so the second doctor has the full picture.
  • If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, check your plan documents first, because some plans require in-network providers or may have different copays for specialists.
  • A second opinion is most useful when facing surgery, a serious diagnosis, or when you're unsure about a recommended treatment.

What Medicare Part B actually covers in a second opinion visit

Medicare Part B covers the doctor's time and the visit itself. That means the office visit copay or coinsurance applies — typically $15 to $50 depending on whether the doctor is in-network and your specific plan. Any tests the second doctor orders (blood work, imaging, EKGs) are covered under Part B's rules for those services, with their own copays or coinsurance.

What Medicare does not cover is the cost of traveling to see the second doctor, or any time off work you take to go. Those are your own expenses. If the second opinion leads to a procedure — say, surgery — that procedure is covered under the same rules as any other surgery Medicare covers.

If you have a Medigap plan (supplemental insurance), it may cover some or all of your copay or coinsurance for the second opinion visit, depending on which Medigap plan you have. Check your Medigap documents or call your Medigap insurer to see what your plan covers.

How to find a second opinion doctor and what to bring

Start by asking your primary care doctor for names of other doctors in your area who handle your condition. Many primary care doctors have colleagues they trust and can recommend. You can also search Medicare's provider directory at Medicare.gov by specialty and location, or call your state medical board to find licensed doctors in your area.

When you call to schedule, tell the office you're seeking a second opinion. This helps them set aside enough time and alerts them that you'll need your records from another doctor. Request your medical records, test results, imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans), and any pathology reports from your first doctor's office. Bring these with you or have them sent to the second doctor's office before your visit. The second doctor needs the full picture to give you a meaningful opinion.

If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), check your plan's provider directory first. Some plans require you to see in-network doctors, and some charge different copays for out-of-network visits. Calling your plan's member services line takes five minutes and tells you whether your chosen second doctor is in-network and what you'll pay.

Second opinions for surgery and major procedures

A second opinion is especially common — and often recommended — before surgery. Medicare covers the second opinion visit, and many surgeons expect patients to seek one before a major operation. When you're facing surgery, bring the first surgeon's operative plan, any imaging, and a list of the risks and benefits they discussed.

The second surgeon may agree with the first, suggest a different approach, or recommend trying non-surgical treatment first. All of these are valuable outcomes. If the two surgeons disagree, you can see a third doctor to break the tie, and Medicare covers that visit too.

For certain high-cost procedures, some Medicare Advantage plans or employer plans may have their own second-opinion programs. These are separate from Medicare's coverage and are run by the plan itself. Check your plan documents or call member services to see whether your plan has a formal second-opinion program for procedures like joint replacement, cardiac surgery, or cancer treatment.

When a second opinion might be especially useful

A second opinion makes the most sense when you're facing a major decision: surgery, a new cancer diagnosis, a recommendation to start a long-term medication, or a diagnosis that will significantly change your life. It's also worth getting if you feel rushed, if the first doctor didn't fully answer your questions, or if the recommended treatment seems extreme for your situation.

You don't need a "good reason" to get a second opinion. If you're straightforward uncertain, that's reason enough. Many people get second opinions as routine practice, especially for serious diagnoses. It's not an insult to your first doctor — most doctors expect and respect patients who seek second opinions.

Second opinions in Medicare Advantage plans

If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), the second opinion visit is still covered, but the rules may differ slightly from Original Medicare. Most Medicare Advantage plans cover second opinions the same way they cover any other doctor visit — with your plan's copay or coinsurance. However, some plans require you to see in-network doctors, and some charge higher copays for out-of-network specialists.

Before you schedule, call your plan's member services number (on your insurance card) and ask: "Is [doctor's name] in my network?" and "What will I pay for a second opinion visit with this doctor?" This takes one call and tells you exactly what to expect at the appointment.

Some Medicare Advantage plans also offer formal second-opinion programs for specific procedures or diagnoses. These programs may cover the second opinion at no cost to you, or may connect you with a specialist by phone. Ask your plan whether it has a second-opinion program for your condition.

What happens after you get a second opinion

After the second doctor gives their opinion, you have all the information you need to make a decision. You might choose to follow the first doctor's plan, the second doctor's plan, or ask both doctors to discuss their approaches with each other. You might also decide to wait, try a different treatment first, or seek a third opinion if the two doctors disagree significantly.

Tell your first doctor what the second doctor said. This isn't confrontational — it's practical. Your first doctor may have new information, or may explain why they still think their original plan is best. Good doctors welcome this conversation. If you decide to follow the second doctor's recommendation instead, your first doctor can transfer your records and help with the transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to tell my first doctor I'm getting a second opinion?

You don't have to, but it's usually a good idea. Your first doctor needs to know so they can send your records to the second doctor. Telling them also opens a conversation — your first doctor may explain their reasoning more fully, or may welcome the second opinion as part of good care.

Will my first doctor be upset if I get a second opinion?

Most doctors expect and respect second opinions, especially for serious diagnoses or surgery. If a doctor seems offended or refuses to share your records, that's a sign the relationship may not be working well. You have the right to seek another opinion without your first doctor's approval.

How long does it take to get a second opinion appointment?

It depends on the specialty and how busy the doctor is. For urgent situations (like cancer diagnosis), you may get an appointment within days. For routine concerns, it might take two to four weeks. Call the office and tell them you're seeking a second opinion — they may fit you in sooner.

What if the second doctor wants to do different tests than the first doctor?

That's normal. Different doctors may have different approaches to diagnosis. Medicare covers the tests the second doctor orders under Part B's rules for those services. If you're concerned about cost or overlap, ask the second doctor why they want new tests instead of relying on the first doctor's results.

Can I get a second opinion by phone or video visit?

Yes. Medicare covers telehealth visits the same way it covers in-person visits. If you want a second opinion by phone or video, ask when you call to schedule. This can be faster and easier, especially if the second doctor is far away.