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.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.
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.

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.

Stay Up to Date on Medicare!

Join the Fair Square Medicare Newsletter to stay informed on cost savings, changes to Medicare, and other valuable healthcare information.

Recommended Articles

air purifier stock image
Does Medicare Cover Air Purifiers?
Nov 18, 2022
Fecal microbiota transplant from healthy in unhealthy intestine, FMT. Improvement intestinal microflora and normalization stool by introducing beneficial bacteria in bowel colon tract. Vector stock illustration
Does Medicare Cover an FMT?
Dec 2, 2022
senior african american man feeling pain in his knees from arthritis while on a couch stock photo
How Much Does Xeljanz Cost with Medicare?
Jan 25, 2023
woman sitting up in bed experiencing back pain stock photo
Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
Nov 19, 2022
Pile of junk in a house, hoarder room pile of household equipment needs clearing out stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Hoarding Cleanup?
Jan 10, 2023
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
Cover image
Why You Should Keep Your Medigap Plan
Sep 21, 2023
Cover image
What Is a Medicare Supplement SELECT Plan?
Apr 25, 2023
Hepatitis C stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Hepatitis C Treatment?
Nov 22, 2022
Daniel Petkevich demonstrates Medicare coverage by using a scarf and hat as a metaphor
Medicare 101
May 20, 2020
What is the ICEP?
What is the Medicare ICEP?
Apr 7, 2023
Cover image
Estimating Prescription Drug Costs
May 25, 2020
The feet of a person suffering from foot pain stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Cartiva Implants?
Nov 29, 2022
Medicare cost stock image
How Much Does Medicare Cost?
Jul 25, 2022
Medicare Set Aside funds stock image
What Happens to Unused Medicare Set-Aside Funds?
Jan 20, 2023
Illustrated representation of medical marijuana, using a prescription bottle with a marijuana leaf on the front.
Does Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?
Jan 6, 2023
Senior woman smiling after vaccination stock photo
Does Medicare Cover Flu Shots?
Dec 9, 2022
Happy senior man and dentist assistant talking during appointment at dental clinic. stock photo
Finding the Best Dental Plans for Seniors
Jan 4, 2023

More of our articles

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Jacksonville

13 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Philadelphia

14 Best Ways for Seniors to Stay Active in Washington, D.C.

14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte

2024 Fair Square NPS Report

2025 Medicare Price Changes

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

Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?

Do You Need Books on Medicare?

Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Cala Trio?

Does Medicare Cover Cardiac Ablation?

Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Visits?

Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?

Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?

Does Medicare Cover Disposable Underwear?

Does Medicare Cover Fosamax?

Does Medicare Cover Geri Chairs?

Does Medicare cover Hyoscyamine?

Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?

Does Medicare Cover Iovera Treatment?

Does Medicare Cover Ketamine Infusion for Depression?

Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?

Does Medicare Cover Kyphoplasty?

Does Medicare Cover Lipoma Removal?

Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?

Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?

Does Medicare Cover Ofev?

Does Medicare Cover Scleral Lenses?

Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?

Does Medicare Cover SIBO Testing?

Does Medicare Cover Stair Lifts?

Does Medicare Cover TENS Units?

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?

Does Medicare Cover Xiafaxan?

Does Medicare Have Limitations on Hospital Stays?

Does Medicare Pay for Allergy Shots?

Does Medicare pay for Opdivo?

Does Medicare Pay for Varicose Vein Treatment?

Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?

Explaining the Different Enrollment Periods for Medicare

How Are Medicare Star Ratings Determined?

How Do Medicare Agents Get Paid?

How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?

How is Medicare Changing in 2025?

How Much Does a Pacemaker Cost with Medicare?

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 Much Does Trelegy Cost with Medicare?

How Often Can I Change Medicare Plans?

How to Become a Medicare Agent

How to Choose a Medigap Plan

How to Enroll in Social Security

Is Botox Covered by Medicare?

Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?

Is Fair Square Medicare Legitimate?

Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights by State

Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas

Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors

Seeing the Value in Fair Square

Should You Work With A Remote Medicare Agent?

The Fair Square Bulletin: October 2023

Top 10 Physical Therapy Clinics in San Diego

What If I Don't Like My Plan?

What is a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman?

What Is Medical Underwriting for Medigap?

What People Don't Realize About Medicare

What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage

What's the Difference Between HMO and PPO Plans?

When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement

Will Medicare Cover it?

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