Depending on the MG, you may replace it simply between strings of fire. A fair number of belt-fed, crew-served machine guns have quick-detach barrels that are swapped out by the assistant gunner when the gun gets hot.
For the rest, yup. Swap out the barrel if it gets worn out just like any other gun.
It's a pretty common practice to put away the original parts on some machine guns and use brand new parts. So, yeah barrels get replaced when needed. Subgun barrels last a long time. Assault rifle and machine gun barrels, not so much.
Severely worn barrels should be replaced. Nevertheless, machine gun barrels may take tens of thousands of rounds before they need replacement. With the advent of chrome lined barrels m-16 uppers may last for years without barrel change (depending upon use).
Other barrels such as those on Mg-34's should be changed at under 250 rounds due to head build up. M60, Shrike and 1919 barrels should be changed as well (at longer intervals) to avoid cook offs when under extended continuous use .
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