How Does Medicare Fee For Services Work? 
Original Medicare is `` old school '' dating back to the way health care worked in the 60 's . At that time there were no managed care organizations , no PPO 's , no POS and except in a very few areas , no HMO 's . Patients were free to use any doctor , any lab , any hospital anywhere . When you receive medical care under Medicare , if it is considered medically necessary , your provider is paid a fee . Medicare Advantage is NOT fee for service . In most cases you are required to use only participating doctors . 