Should you get a second opinion when diagnosed with cancer?
Aug 07, 2019 · Take notes on what your doctor says. Ask if there are pamphlets or booklets about the information the doctor is telling you. Ask if you can record your talks. Even after you have given your doctor a chance to carefully explain your cancer to you, you still may decide getting a second opinion is right for you.
When to get a second opinion after cancer diagnosis?
Getting a Second Opinion. Make an appointment with your first doctor to talk about the second opinion. Ask both doctors to explain how they arrived at their treatment plan. Ask them how they interpreted your test results. Ask what research studies or …
How to get a second opinion for cancer treatment?
Why get a second opinion? It's vital that you feel good about your treatment choices. A second opinion can help you make your decision and feel good about it. When doctors plan cancer treatments, they consider: The type and stage of the cancer. How likely the cancer can be cured. How the treatment will affect your daily life. Your overall health
What can increase a person and chance of getting cancer?
Apr 03, 2020 · Other ways to find doctors for a second opinion include: Ask another doctor that you trust to give you a list of doctors. Ask friends or family who have been treated for cancer if there is a doctor they would recommend. Review online resources that can help you find a doctor.
How do I get a second opinion for cancer treatment?
Making sense of the second opinionMake an appointment with your first doctor to talk about the second opinion.Ask both doctors to explain how they arrived at their treatment plan.Ask them how they interpreted your test results.Ask what research studies or professional guidelines they consulted.More items...•Aug 7, 2019
Can you get a second opinion on a cancer diagnosis?
Doctors are usually happy to help patients arrange a second opinion. Your doctor may even recommend it when the best treatment approach for your cancer is not clear. You should seriously think about getting a second opinion if: You have been diagnosed with a rare type of cancer.Feb 11, 2020
What percentage of cancer patients get a second opinion?
A review of 20 quantitative studies of patients with cancer seeking second opinions found that the rates of seeking second opinions ranged between 1 and 88% [1]. Patients with higher levels of education were more likely to seek second opinions than other patients [1].Jul 21, 2020
Do doctors get offended when you get a second opinion?
In serious cases, it can even save your life. But, pursuing a second opinion can add more stress to the situation if you are afraid your current doctor could get offended, resulting in a conflict. While it is not impossible for a doctor to get offended, thankfully it happens less than you may fear.
How do I seek a second opinion?
Contact your health insurance company to find out if your plan will pay for a second opinion. Ask your current doctor or insurance company to recommend another specialist. Or consult a local hospital or clinic, or a medical association that provides a searchable database of specialty doctors.Jul 25, 2019
Why is second opinion important for cancer patients?
Getting a second opinion will help you feel more empowered and confident in your treatment decisions. It is important that you receive cancer treatment you understand and are comfortable with, and a second or even a third medical opinion can help you do that.
Does it matter where you go for cancer treatment?
Make sure the hospitals you are considering have experience treating the type of cancer you have. Your local hospital may be fine for more common cancers. But if you have a rare cancer, you may need to choose a hospital that specializes in your cancer.Feb 11, 2020
Is it worth getting a second medical opinion?
“A second opinion is most useful when there is not a perfect answer and you want more input,” Dr. Grauer says. He points out that doctors themselves ask other doctors for their input regularly; the Spine Center has multidisciplinary conferences where cases may be presented.Jan 15, 2020
Why would a pathologist get a second opinion?
Aims: Second opinions in pathology improve patient safety by reducing diagnostic errors, leading to more appropriate clinical treatment decisions.May 2, 2017
How long does it take to get a second opinion?
After these are collected, most patients receive their written second opinions within five to seven business days, depending on the complexity of the case and availability of the specialist best suited to review it. Your Included Health personal care coordinator will keep you updated on the status of your request.
When should you seek a second opinion about a medical treatment?
1.2 The commonest reasons for second opinions to be requested are in cases of uncertainty or disagreement over diagnosis, dissatisfaction with the outcome of treatment and/or when a patient has good reason for wanting a different clinician to be involved with their case.May 11, 2018
When should you ask for a second opinion?
Get a second opinion if you have undergone treatment but your symptoms continue. No one knows your body better than you do. And if your symptoms persist even after treatment, it may be time to seek the advice of different doctors and specialists. Too often, people do not advocate for themselves.Mar 28, 2020
Why get a second opinion?
It's vital that you feel good about your treatment choices. A second opinion can help you make your decision and feel good about it.
Is it a problem to get a second opinion?
Many health insurers will pay for a second opinion. And in most cases, a short delay in treatment won't reduce the chance that it will work.
How to get a second opinion
You have a number of ways to find a doctor who can give a second opinion. These include:
What happens if the second doctor agrees with the first?
If the second doctor agrees with the first, you can feel more confident this is the best treatment plan for you. If the second opinion is different from the first, these are some things you can do next:
How to make sure you are learning about all your options?
One way to make sure you’re learning about all your options is to seek a second opinion from another doctor. Many people do this, and most doctors are comfortable with it.
Is it safe to get a second opinion?
You should not feel rushed to decide about treatment, even when your health problem is serious. It’s usually safe to take time to get a second opinion. Contact your health insurance company to find out if your plan will pay for a second opinion.
How to get a second doctor?
The new doctor will meet with you and perform a physical exam. They will also review your medical history and test results. When you meet with the second doctor: 1 Bring copies of your medical records if you have not already sent them. 2 Bring a list of all medicines that you currently take. This includes any vitamins and supplements. 3 Discuss with the doctor the diagnosis and treatment your first doctor recommended. 4 Bring a list of any questions you have. Do not be afraid to ask them - that's what the appointment is for. 5 Consider bringing along a family member or friend for support. They should feel free to ask questions too.
What to do if you have doubts about a doctor?
If you have doubts about either, talking to another doctor can help give you peace of mind. Getting a second opinion can help confirm the opinion of your first doctor, or provide guidance on other treatment options.
What is a tumor board?
Some cancer centers often arrange a group consult where patients meet with the different doctors that may be involved in their care. Many hospitals and cancer centers have committees called a tumor board. During these meetings, cancer doctors, surgeons, radiation therapy doctors, nurses, and others discuss cancer cases and their treatment.
Should I ask my doctor for a second opinion?
Expand Section. You should not worry about asking your doctor for a second opinion. It is your right as a patient to have one. Doctors are usually happy to help patients arrange a second opinion. Your doctor may even recommend it when the best treatment approach for your cancer is not clear.
Can a doctor treat cancer?
You received very different recommendation on how to treat your cancer. Your doctor does not have a lot of experience treating your type of cancer. You have several options for treatment and feel unsure what to do. Your test results are unclear for the type and location of your cancer. You are not comfortable with your diagnosis or treatment plan.
Is it good to have a second opinion?
Chances are good that the second opinion will be similar to that of your first doctor. If that is the case, you can feel more confident in your diagnosis and treatment plan. However, the second doctor may have different ideas about your diagnosis or treatment. If that happens, Do not worry -- you still have choices.
Can I get a second opinion from a third doctor?
This could help you decide which of the first two options is better for you. Keep in mind that even if you get a second or third opinion, you do not have to switch doctors. You get to decide which doctor will provide your treatment.
What is a second opinion on cancer?
A second opinion will also help you understand your different treatment options.
What to do when getting a second opinion?
When you get a second opinion, the first thing the doctor will do is confirm your diagnosis. This includes the type of cancer, where it is, if it has spread, and if it is affecting other parts of the body. And, getting a second opinion is not just useful for getting medical information. It can also help you decide if a doctor, health care team, ...
How to get information from a doctor?
Here are some tips for how to get all the information you need during the appointment: 1 Take notes. Ask the doctor if you can record the appointment. Writing down notes or recording the appointment can help you review the information later. 2 Take someone else with you. They can help you take notes and remember what and the doctor talked about. 3 Ask questions, especially if the doctor says something you do not understand. It is important to have the information you need to make the best decisions about treatment.
Why is it important to get a second opinion?
It is important that you receive cancer treatment you understand and are comfortable with, and a second or even a third medical opinion can help you do that.
Do insurance companies pay for second opinion?
Most insurance companies will pay for a second opinion if your doctor says or suspects you have cancer. They might even require you to get a second opinion before they pay for cancer treatment. Before you make an appointment for a second opinion, be sure to ask your insurance company what costs they will cover.
What is a second opinion on cancer?
A second opinion may point to a different cancer type, and a review of your genetic profile through advanced genomic testing may uncover a more advanced treatment option not previously considered, or help to confirm your current diagnosis and treatment plan.
What is CTCA whole person care?
At CTCA, our whole-person care model means we’re not just treating the cancer. Our supportive care services are designed to help you manage side effects and improve and maintain your quality of life, so you can feel better while getting better.
What do oncologists do?
Our oncologists use a wide variety of standard-of-care and innovative treatment tools and technologies, including precision medicine breakthroughs in immunotherapy and targeted therapy drugs, to attack your specific cancer type, while also offering qualified patients access to clinical trials on potential new treatment approaches.
How to get a second opinion?
Once your second opinion appointment is scheduled: 1 Call your current doctor’s office and ask them to send a copy of your medical records, test results and pathology reports to the doctor giving the second opinion. 2 You may need to sign a release giving your current doctor permission to send these documents. 3 Before your appointment, call and make sure the doctor giving the second opinion has received your medical documents. 4 Prepare a list of questions to take with you. This can help you remember everything you want to ask and keep the discussion focused on the issues most important to you. 5 Bring a friend or loved one with you to the appointment to help ask questions and discuss the answers later. Having an extra pair of ears may help you recall and understand the information. 6 Recording the discussion on a cell phone, small tape recorder or other device can be helpful (even if someone is with you at the appointment).
How to give confidence to a doctor?
Give you confidence in the first doctor by confirming a diagnosis or course of treatment. Give you a different insight into your diagnosis and treatment. Increase your options for care. Give you a chance to meet with another doctor, who may be better suited to treat your breast cancer. If you’re not happy with your care or you’re not connecting ...
Does insurance cover second opinion?
Before getting a second opinion, it’s best to check with your insurance company to see if there are any limits. Some policies may only cover second opinions from doctors in their own network.
What is a Second Opinion?
A second opinion is a review of the cancer diagnosis and the treatment recommendations of the physician who is treating the cancer by another, independent physician. Either the patient or the primary physician can initiate the process of getting a second opinion.
Why Do I Need a Second Opinion?
A second opinion is part of the education process that is critical for cancer patients. The treatment of cancer has evolved tremendously in the recent past. As a result, many cancers are now more treatable than they once were, especially if the appropriate initial treatment is selected.
Who Pays for a Second Opinion?
One of the problems with second opinions is that insurers may not cover the expense. However, many insurance and health care companies do pay for such opinions and acknowledge the importance of second opinions. In some situations, insurers will even insist on a second opinion.
Who Should Get a Second Opinion?
Although the specific situations in which a second opinion is most useful have not been defined, there are clearly situations where a second opinion would be helpful and most patients would benefit. These may include:
How to get a second opinion on cancer?
Follow these tips from Mayo Clinic’s article, “Tips for Seeking Second Opinions With Cancer Care,” when seeking a second opinion: 1 If you don’t have a provider recommendation, look for providers who specialize in your condition and have experience delivering care. Check to see that they deliver high-quality care and outcomes, and have research programs that support development of new treatments. Recommendations of friends and family members, or former patients can be helpful, as well. 2 Check with your insurance provider to determine coverage, especially if the visit is out of your network. Also, check to see that the new specialist accepts your insurance type. 3 When you call to schedule the appointment, find out if the facility has a specialist with experience treating your condition. 4 Plan to bring your medical records, including copies of all scans, exams, previous treatment, blood tests and pathology slides, with you to the appointment. 5 Be clear what you’re looking for from the second opinion. Do you need confirmation that your current treatment recommendation is correct for you? Or are you looking for other options? Are you interested in clinical trials? 6 As you work with the new specialist, explain why you’re seeking a second opinion, and communicate your primary needs for the visit. 7 Consider your plan for next steps. Do you need to transfer your care to receive the new treatment options? Or can the treatment plan be communicated to your original doctor for care?
What does it mean to get a second opinion?
“Getting a second opinion means having the added benefit of another expert weighing in on your situation with his or her knowledge and expertise,” says Lonnie Fynskov, a nurse educator for the Cancer Education Program at Mayo Clinic. “He or she may be familiar with additional diagnostic tools and treatment options. Hopefully, that will increase your confidence on how best to proceed with your care. You may be nervous about telling your current doctor you are interested in seeking a second opinion. Even though this is your choice and doesn’t need an explanation, it may be helpful to outline what you need to feel confident in your next steps and why talking to another doctor is important to you. Many times, your current doctor will be happy to recommend someone. If you are unsure what to do next in your treatment, you should be recommending a second opinion automatically.”
Is peace of mind worth it?
Your peace of mind will definitely make it worthwhile.”. The decisions about your health care are likely some of the most important decisions in your life. Taking the time to understand and consider all options and approaches is important and part of being your own health advocate. PDF.
Why Get A Second opinion?
Is It A Problem to Get A Second opinion?
- Many health insurers will pay for a second opinion. And in most cases, a short delay in treatment won't reduce the chance that it will work. Don't worry about hurting your doctor's feelings by asking for a second opinion. It's a common request when it comes to cancer care. And your doctor might be able to advise another doctor you should see.
How to Get A Second Opinion
- You have a number of ways to find a doctor who can give a second opinion. These include: 1. Your primary care doctor.Your doctor may be able to refer you to a specialist. This may be a surgeon. Or it may be a medical or radiation oncologist. These doctors often work together at cancer centers and hospitals. 2. Your cancer specialist.He or she may be able to refer you to an…