Fair Square Medicare Wordmark

Can I Have Two Primary Care Physicians?

cartoon hospital and male doctor stock image

By Daniel Petkevich

Oct 3, 2022

Everything You Need to Know About Having Multiple Primary Care Physicians

Whether for an annual check-up or bringing a health concern to a familiar face, having a primary care physician you trust is beneficial.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

Some prefer to stick to just one doctor, while others like to get a second opinion or consult different specialists for specific health needs.

But when it comes to choosing a primary care physician, you may have questions:

  • When should I consult a PCP?

  • Can I see two different PCPs?

  • Will I get coverage if I consult two doctors?

Let's find out whether you need a primary care physician and if you can consult more than one.

What Is a Primary Care Physician?

A primary care physician (PCP) is a medical doctor responsible for preventing, treating, and managing routine health problems.

They help you with:

  • Preventive care

  • Treatment of common illness

  • Early screening

  • Managing chronic diseases

  • Referrals to specialists

Your PCP is the first person you see when you have an undiagnosed health issue or injury.

They also provide ongoing care for chronic problems —helping you manage your condition and stay healthy — and coordinate with specialists when necessary.

Do I Need a Primary Care Physician?

You don't need a PCP, but having one makes doctors' visits easier.

Whenever you visit a doctor for the first time, you have to review your medical history, list your current medications, and answer any questions that arise.

By seeing a PCP who knows your health conditions and medical history, you can fast forward through your backstory and get the help you need.

Benefits of Having a PCP

  • Have a go-to doctor for all your medical needs

  • Have a doctor who is familiar with you — your lifestyle, your medical history, and your daily challenges

    • This ensures you get the best available treatment

  • Stay healthy and manage your condition more effectively

    • Ultimately, lower your hospital stays and medical bills

  • Have a practitioner who can adjust your medications — as your condition improves or worsens

  • Get screening tests — detect problems before symptoms start

  • Get trusted referrals to good specialists

Can I Have Two Primary Care Physicians?

While it's good to have a PCP, some prefer to have two.

There are several reasons for this.

For example, some people have two homes — a winter home and a summer home — in two different states. They might prefer to have one doctor in each state.

So, how do you know if you qualify for two PCPs?

Well, that depends on your health insurance plan.

Let's look at a few plans and see whether they provide coverage for two PCPs:

PCP Coverage for Original Medicare

If you have Original Medicare, you can have two PCPs if you feel it's necessary (e.g., you live in multiple states, or your work requires frequent/extended travel).

Medicare doesn't limit the number of PCPs you can have.

However, you can't consult them on the same calendar day.

PCP Coverage for Medigap Plans

Since Medigap plans are extensions of Original Medicare, you can have two Primary Care Physicians. You are not restricted to a specific network, so you can visit any doctor's office or hospital that accepts Medicare.

In addition, some Medigap plans cover

foreign travel emergencies

. For example, if you travel outside the U.S. and need emergency care, your plan will cover 80% of the costs (after you pay the deductible).

PCP Coverage for Medicare SELECT Plans

If you have a Medicare SELECT Plan, your coverage is limited to a specific network of hospitals and doctors.

Check with your plan provider before choosing a second primary care physician.

PCP Coverage for Medicare Advantage Plans

Coverage for Medicare Advantage depends on the plan you select:

  • HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans — typically cover only one PCP

  • PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans — might cover two Primary Care Physicians

  • PFFS (Private fee-for-service) plans — might cover two Primary Care Physicians

  • SNP (Special Needs Plan) — typically covers only one PCP

Check with your provider for more info.

Takeaway

A primary care physician can make doctors' visits more comfortable and help you stay on top of your health conditions.

Some people might even prefer to see two PCPs.

Consulting two physicians is possible, but coverage depends on your specific health insurance plan:

  • If you have Original Medicare or Medigap — you can see two PCPs

  • If you have Medicare Advantage or Medigap SELECT — your coverage may vary

If you're unsure whether your plan allows you to have two primary care physicians,

our experts

are here to help.

Give us a call at 1-888-376-2028.

Speak with a Medicare Advocate

Talk to one of our Licensed Medicare Agents today to find the right plans for you.

Recommended Articles

Medicare cost stock image

How Much Does Medicare Cost?

Jul 25, 2022

Orthopaedist at work treating a bunion, stock photo

Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?

Nov 29, 2022

Caucasian nurse holding spine model against the patients backs. Clinic interior. stock photo

Does Medicare Cover SI Joint Fusion?

Nov 28, 2022

Last will and testament stock photo

Does Medicare Pay for Funeral Expenses?

Dec 6, 2022

Birthday stock image

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?

Mar 28, 2023

Emergency section of a hospital exterior stock photo

How Does Medicare Pay for Emergency Room Visits?

Nov 21, 2022

An illustrated image of a cartoon man using giant scissors to cut the "T" in the word "Tax"

How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes

Dec 28, 2022

A person with a shopping cart already containing medicaid and medicare sees Medigap options on a table. In a thought bubble, they ask "Should I get Medigap too?"

Do You Need Medigap if You're Eligible for Both Medicare and Medicaid?

Jan 7, 2023

Senior woman checking blood pressure/heart rate at home stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Home Heart Monitors?

Dec 1, 2022

Illustrated referential images of a hospital bill, coins, cash in a wallet, a calculator, and a magnifying glass

What Are Medicare Part B Excess Charges?

Jan 6, 2023

A doctor with a clipboard consults a female patient with cancer

Does Medicare Cover Inqovi?

Jan 11, 2023

woman sitting up in bed experiencing back pain stock photo

Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?

Nov 19, 2022

Medigap plan letters on outstretched fingers stock image

How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?

Apr 12, 2023

plastic surgeons standing over a patient stock image

Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?

Nov 28, 2022

Cover image

2025 Medicare Price Changes

Oct 30, 2023

Cover image

What To Do If Your Medicare Advantage Plan Is Discontinued

Feb 26, 2024

Senior woman smiling after vaccination stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?

Dec 9, 2022

hand holding up Invisalign stock photo

Does Medicare Cover Orthodontic Care?

Nov 18, 2022

More of our articles

10 Top Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Companies for 2025

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Indianapolis

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Nashville

14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte

15 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Denver

Can I Change Medicare Advantage Plans Any Time? | Medicare Plans

Can I Have Two Primary Care Physicians?

Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2025

Costco Pharmacy Partners with Fair Square

Denied Coverage? What to Do When Your Carrier Says No

Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?

Does Medicare Cover Abortion Services?

Does Medicare Cover an FMT?

Does Medicare Cover Bladder Sling Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Cardiac Ablation?

Does Medicare Cover Cartiva Implants?

Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Compounded Medications?

Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?

Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?

Does Medicare Cover Geri Chairs?

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?

Does Medicare Cover Incontinence Supplies?

Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Kyphoplasty?

Does Medicare Cover Linx Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?

Does Medicare Cover PTNS?

Does Medicare Cover Robotic Surgery?

Does Medicare Cover RSV Vaccines?

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?

Does Medicare Cover Xiafaxan?

Does Medicare Have Limitations on Hospital Stays?

Does Medicare Require a Referral for Audiology Exams?

Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?

Estimating Prescription Drug Costs

Everything About Your Medicare Card + Medicare Number

Explaining IRMAA on Medicare

Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare

Fair Square Bulletin: We're Revolutionizing Medicare

Fair Square Client Newsletter: AEP Edition

Finding the Best Dental Plans for Seniors

Gap Health Insurance: The Secret Sidekick to Your High-Deductible Plan

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Medicare

How Does the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Affect Your Medicare?

How is Medicare Changing in 2025?

How Medicare Costs Can Pile Up

How Much Does Medicare Part B Cost in 2025?

How Much Does Open Heart Surgery Cost with Medicare?

How Much Does Rexulti Cost with Medicare?

How to Become a Medicare Agent

How to Enroll in Social Security

Is Balloon Sinuplasty Covered by Medicare?

Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?

Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?

Medicare Deductibles Resetting in 2025

Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas

Saving Money with Alternative Pharmacies & Discount Programs

Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?

The Fair Square Bulletin: October 2023

Top 10 Physical Therapy Clinics in San Diego

What is Plan J?

What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?

What is the Medicare ICEP?

What People Don't Realize About Medicare

What's the Deal with Flex Cards?

When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement

Why Is Medicare So Confusing?

Your Medicare One-Stop-Shop

Your guide to Medicare Parts A & B, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap. 100% free.

Get the Fair Square Bulletin

Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.

About

Medicare 101

Current Clients

Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans

Fair Square 2025

Terms of Use
Notice of Privacy Practices

Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2025 Help Button Inc

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M

Fair Square Medicare

FSM symbol - 50