A second opinion is when a doctor other than your regular doctor gives his or her view about your health problem and how it should be treated. Getting a second opinion can help you make a more informed decision about your care.
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) helps pay for a second opinion before surgery. When your doctor says you have a health problem that needs surgery, you have the right to the following:
- Know and understand your treatment choices
- Have another doctor look at those choices with you (second opinion).
- Participate in treatment decisions by making your wishes known.
Make sure the doctor giving the second opinion accepts Medicare. And don't wait for a second opinion if you need emergency surgery, as with acute appendicitis, blood clot or aneurysm or accidental injuries.
Medicare Part B pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for a second opinion. If the second opinion doesn't agree with the first opinion, Medicare pays 80% of the Medicare-approve amount for a third opinion.
For details and more information on Medicare and getting a second opinion, visit www.Medicare.gov.
Information provided by CMS Bulletin, Getting a Second Opinion Before Surgery.
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