“Patients should seek another opinion if they feel uncomfortable with their initial team, if they have a rare cancer that another doctor may have more expertise with, or if they are confused about their diagnosis or treatment options,” she says. A provider at a major medical center will look at all of a patient’s previous information.
When should you get a second opinion on a diagnosis?
Advice on Second Opinions. When dealing with a complex medical condition, the diagnosis, treatment and management can be complicated, and making decisions about your health care is important. Getting a second opinion can help you feel more confident about your diagnosis and treatment plan. There are many reasons why you want to seek another opinion during the …
Should I ask for a second opinion in the emergency room?
Sep 04, 2020 · “Getting a second opinion for conditions that significantly affect your quality of life, such as hip and knee replacement, can ensure you have been diagnosed appropriately,” says Dr. Rasmussen. “Plus, it’ll ensure you’re getting the optimal treatment, including further medical treatment instead of surgery, and it could save you time and money.”
What is a second opinion and why is it important?
Apr 03, 2020 · 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 …
Should I get a second opinion on my Breast Pathology?
Aug 07, 2019 · Is there enough time to wait for a second opinion? Treatment decisions should be made after you have learned all you can about your diagnosis, prognosis, and available treatment options. This can take time, depending on the type of cancer you have. In a few cancers, there are some treatment decisions that have to be made right away.
When should a patient get a second opinion?
“Patients should seek another opinion if they feel uncomfortable with their initial team, if they have a rare cancer that another doctor may have more expertise with, or if they are confused about their diagnosis or treatment options,” she says.Jan 15, 2020
Under what circumstances might you want to seek a second medical opinion?
You have a rare or unusual diagnosis. You think another treatment might be available. Your doctor is not a specialist in your condition. You're having trouble talking with your doctor, or you want your options explained by someone else.Jul 25, 2019
Can you get a second opinion on a diagnosis?
A second opinion is when you ask a doctor to look at your diagnosis or treatment plan again because you don't agree with it. You may want a second opinion if you disagree with your diagnosis or treatment. After a second opinion you may have more information about what options may be best for you.
Why is it important to get a second opinion?
A second opinion can help you decide which treatment is most appropriate for your particular situation. It's important to make sure that any second (or third) opinion you seek is from a physician who has broad experience and expertise treating the condition that you've been diagnosed with.Jul 30, 2015
Under what circumstances might you want to seek a second medical opinion quizlet?
Under what circumstances might you want to seek a second medical opinion? For major health concerns, such as those involving surgery or other extensive treatment.
What questions should I ask in a second opinion?
Do I Need a 2nd Opinion? 10 Questions to Ask Your DoctorWhat is your experience with this treatment? ... Are there any alternative options? ... What will happen if I wait or don't have the treatment? ... What are the risks? ... How long can I expect the benefits of this treatment to last?More items...•Oct 13, 2021
Will my doctor know if I get a second opinion?
What to Say to Your Current Doctor. Your doctor knows that getting other professional opinions is a good practice and that you have a right to be informed of your options. They will likely support a second opinion, so it's best to ask for it outright.Aug 11, 2021
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 do I get a second opinion on a pathology report?
How to Get a Second OpinionCheck with your doctor's office and insurance carrier to determine whether your insurance plan covers a second opinion. ... Call your hospital's department of medical records and ask for a HIPAA release form. ... Print a UPMC Pathology Consultation Services form (PDF).More items...
What is a second opinion?
A second opinion has the potential to provide your treatment team with the opportunity to consult with a leading specialist in their field. They are not just for life-threatening diagnoses, such as cancer or heart disease.
Why is it so hard to make decisions when facing a new diagnosis?
Making decisions can be very difficult as you navigate the healthcare system, especially when you need to choose between several treatment options.
Why do doctors reach out to colleagues?
Some doctors, as a practice, will reach out to colleagues for opinions on their patients, especially when a colleague has experience particular to a patient’s disease. New treatments are appearing very rapidly and a doctor’s experience in complex situations matters because not all doctors have such experience.
Is Cleveland Clinic a non profit?
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy. According to Dr. Rasmussen, a second opinion can help you: It makes sense to get a second opinion when you face a medical condition that is life-changing ...
What is a tumor board meeting?
Many hospitals and cancer centers have committees called a tumor board. During these meetings, cancer doctors, surgeons, ...
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 to bring to a second doctor?
When you meet with the second doctor: Bring copies of your medical records if you have not already sent them. Bring a list of all medicines that you currently take. This includes any vitamins and supplements. Discuss with the doctor the diagnosis and treatment your first doctor recommended.
Can a second opinion be similar to a first opinion?
Expand Section. 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 if I already had a treatment plan?
You are not comfortable with your diagnosis or treatment plan. You can get a second opinion even if you already had treatment. A second doctor can make recommendations for how your treatment will progress or may change.
Can you have cancer with other doctors?
Cancer care often involves a group or collaborative approach. It is possible that your doctor may have already discussed your case with other doctors. This is often the case if your doctor is considering surgery or radiation therapy as possible treatments for your cancer. Sometimes, you may meet with these different specialty doctors yourself.
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.
Is there enough time to wait for a second opinion?
Treatment decisions should be made after you have learned all you can about your diagnosis, prognosis, and available treatment options. This can take time, depending on the type of cancer you have. In a few cancers, there are some treatment decisions that have to be made right away.
Remembering what your doctor says
It’s hard to understand complex information when you are anxious or afraid. And sometimes, without knowing it, doctors use words that you don’t understand. If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor to explain it to you.
How to talk to your doctor about getting a second opinion
Some people find it hard to tell their doctors that they’d like a second opinion. Remember it is common for patients to get a second opinion, and doctors are comfortable with the request. If you are unsure of how to begin, here are a few ways to start the conversation:
The second opinion process: what to expect
Before you start looking for a second opinion, contact your insurance company to find out what your policy covers. In some cases, you may have to get a second opinion from another doctor who is part of your health plan before the plan will pay for your treatment
Deciding where to go for a second opinion
Let your doctor know if you want to get a second opinion. Most doctors understand the value of a second opinion, and they are not offended when a patient wants one. They may even be able to recommend another doctor.
Making sense of the second opinion
Although cancer patients seem to be asking for a second opinion more frequently, studies show the benefits of getting one are unclear . If the second opinion differs from the first, you may find the following tips helpful:
Is lymphoma a type of cancer?
Leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes are each different types of cancers. What's more, each disease has subtypes. This means that the signs of the disease, how it's diagnosed and treated and the expected outcomes vary. That's why it's essential to have the right diagnosis before you begin or continue with treatment.
Can you get a second opinion from a blood cancer specialist?
It's okay to let your doctor know that you'd like a second opinion; most doctors are used to patients seeking multiple opinions and even encourage it. Click here for information about finding a blood cancer specialist. Request that your doctor send your records to the oncologist who'll be providing the second opinion.
Do you need a second opinion before treatment?
You may want to get a second or third medical opinion after receiving a diagnosis and before beginning or continuing treatment, especially if you're concerned about whether a specific doctor or treatment center is right for you.
Who reviews blood and marrow?
Ask your doctor if the pathologist reviewing your blood and marrow test results is a hematology-oncology specialist. If not, consider having your test results reviewed by a pathologist who specializes in hematology-oncology. Insurance companies usually pay for second opinions and, in some cases, require them.
What is the most difficult disease to diagnose?
3. Parkinson's Disease. "Parkinson's is one of the most difficult diseases to diagnose. There's no blood test, X-ray, or instrument that would give you an answer," says Executive Director Robin Elliott of the Parkinson's Disease Foundation.
What is a second opinion on heart surgery?
A second opinion makes sense "if the patient has any concern that this is a treatment plan that may not be best for them ," Rutlen says.
What is a second opinion for ADHD?
A second opinion can help determine if symptoms are serious enough to be classified as ADHD. It's also crucial to rule out other mental disorders that can be confused with ADHD, according to Rizvi. These include developmental problems, learning disabilities, anxiety, and depression.
Can ADHD be diagnosed with a lab test?
With no specific lab test for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ), the problem can be tough to diagnose accurately. A doctor's judgment comes into play; he or she may diagnose ADHD if a child shows hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity in at least two settings, such as home and school.
Is Parkinson's disease difficult to diagnose?
Parkinson's can be especially difficult to diagnose in the early stages. The rate of misdiagnosis among people with Parkinson's may be as high as 25%-30%, Elliott says. In the elderly, the trembling and movement problems of Parkinson's may be dismissed as normal aging.
Is it a bad idea to seek a second opinion?
Enter the second opinion. It's never a bad idea to seek a second opinion, but if you receive one of these five diagnoses, it's practically a must. 1.
What Is a Second Opinion?
A second opinion means that you choose to see another doctor or specialist after you’ve received an initial diagnosis or treatment plan for a medical condition. The second doctor reviews your medical history and gives their interpretation of your health. They will give you their view on your diagnosis or treatment plan.
When Should You Get a Second Opinion?
Sometimes your health problems are straightforward, but there are other times when diagnosis and treatment are less clear. Getting a second opinion may helpful when:
How to Get a Second Opinion
The best place to start the process is with your general doctor. If they haven’t offered you a referral to a specialist, ask for one. If you’re already seeing a specialist, ask to see another doctor who has at least the same level of training and expertise and who isn’t their close peer.
What to Say to Your Current Doctor
First, ask your doctor questions about your condition so that you understand what’s happening. Sometimes you might feel uneasy because you need more information, so don’t be afraid to ask more than once. If you need more time than your doctor usually gives you, ask the receptionist to help you schedule a longer appointment.
What to Ask Your Second Doctor
Once you get the appointment for the second opinion, decide what you want to know and what you hope to get from the appointment. Write down your questions before you go, and take them with you.
After Your Second Opinion
Getting a second opinion can help you make better health decisions. If the second doctor agrees with the first, you may decide to return to your first doctor and move forward with your treatment. You can also ask your doctors to work together as a team.