Simply Medicare: When Should I Seek a Second Opinion?

by Mariluz Billoch
August 6th, 2010

The quick answer to that question is: Always!

The more severe the diagnosis or invasive the procedure, the more important it becomes to get a second opinion. You Doctor should be OK with this, in our experience most of them are.

The process of asking for a second or third opinion should always be a collaborative approach, but seek it independently from each other initially. Some Medicare Health plans might require your PCP to provide a referral to another Physician for second and third opinions.

Everyone eligible for Medicare is generally covered for up to to 80% of approved amounts for second and third opinions for non-emergency surgeries.

Tonsillectomies
Gall bladder procedures
Hysterectomies
Hernia repairs
Cataract surgeries

Do not wait for a second opinion for Emergency Surgeries!

Appendectomies
Accidental injuries
Blot clots and aneurysms

Ask your Doctor if he accepts “assignment”. Assignment is basically an agreement among Medicare, physicians, providers and suppliers to accept Medicare pre-approved amounts for certain services as payment in full.

To get information about the basics of Medicare call :

1-800-MEDICARE or for benefit information go to www.medicare.gov

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Take care