- Your health insurance requires a second opinion.
- Your diagnosis isn’t clear.
- You have a lot of medical conditions.
- The treatment offered is experimental, controversial, or risky.
- You have a rare condition.
- You have a life-threatening condition.
- You have many treatments to choose from.
- You’re not responding to treatment.
- You want to know every possible choice for treatment.
- Your doctor is not sure what is wrong with you.
- You have a rare or unusual diagnosis.
- You think another treatment might be available.
- Your doctor is not a specialist in your condition.
Why you should consider a second medical opinion?
You don’t feel comfortable or safe around your physician. The waiting room or exam area always looks dirty and disorderly. If several of these signs apply to your situation, it could be time for a second opinion. Under the law, you are never required to consent to a specific medical treatment, and any doctor who tells you otherwise could have hidden intentions. In cases like these, …
When should you get a second opinion from a doctor?
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.” You also can seek out a second opinion on your own. This is your choice, so don’t feel bad about looking for additional support in feeling confident about your care.
Should you get a second opinion when diagnosed with cancer?
Getting a second opinion may helpful when: Your health insurance requires a second opinion. Your diagnosis isn’t clear. You have a lot of medical conditions. The treatment offered is …
Should I get a second medical opinion?
Aug 07, 2019 · Reasons for getting a second opinion include: You want to be sure you have explored all options. You think your doctor is underestimating how serious your cancer is. Your doctor is not sure what is wrong with you. You have a rare or unusual cancer. You think another treatment might be available.
When should you seek a second medical opinion?
Chagpar says. “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
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.
Is it worth getting a second medical opinion?
If you have time to seek a second opinion before a serious surgery, it's a good idea. One study found that 30% of general surgery patients experience complications, so it's a big risk to take without knowing it's necessary.Apr 30, 2017
Why is it important to seek a second opinion from a different doctor?
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
How do I tell my doctor I want a second opinion?
How Do You Ask for A Second Opinion?Explain to your doctor that you want to be fully informed about your diagnosis, prognosis and available treatment options and would like a second opinion.Ask your doctor to recommend someone else.If you have a specific doctor in mind, ask for a referral to them.More items...•May 25, 2016
How often are second opinions different?
A 2017 study from Mayo Clinic found that second opinions often resulted in a changed or refined diagnosis. In fact, of the 286 cases reviewed, just 12% of patients had the same diagnosis after their first and second opinions.
What can I expect from a second opinion?
A second opinion can also offer insight into additional treatment options that the first doctor may not have mentioned. As a result, you become more informed about what is available to you and can make an educated decision about your health care and your treatment plan.Mar 28, 2020
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
When should you seek a second opinion about a medical treatment UK?
The General Medical Council, which regulates doctors, state that all doctors must 'respect the patient's right to seek a second opinion'. The Department of Health accepts that if a doctor thinks that it is in the best interest of the patient to refer for a second opinion, they should do so.
What is a second opinion in medicine?
Listen to pronunciation. (SEH-kund uh-PIN-yun) In medicine, the opinion of a doctor other than the patient's current doctor. The second doctor reviews the patient's medical records and gives an opinion about the patient's health problem and how it should be treated.
How do I seek a second medical opinion in Singapore?
Patients seeking a second opinion from HiDoc's current network of 20 Singapore registered specialists may either reach out to a specialist directly or engage its care team before making a virtual consult appointment through its platform. The consultation fee is priced at S$120.Apr 6, 2019
Why should you get a second opinion for any serious health concern?
Getting a second opinion reduces your risk of getting a wrong diagnosis and increases your chances of getting proper care. When we face major life decisions like buying a new house or choosing a college, we weigh several options, review the risks vs.
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 second opinion?
Simply put, a second medical opinion is when you consult two doctors over one specific illness or set of symptoms. However, second medical opinions are generally sought in two different ways. The first of the two scenarios may be a bit surprising. If your general doctor refers you to a specialist, then you are in fact seeking a second medical ...
What does it mean when you lack confidence in your doctor?
5. When you lack confidence in your doctor. It’s easy to forget that doctors are normal people like you and me. Just like normal people, sometimes a doctor does a poor job or isn’t experienced in curing your ailment. Other times their diagnosis may contradict information you’ve heard elsewhere.
How long will you be on crutches if you have a sprained ankle?
What you thought was a sprained ankle turns out to be a tear of your achilles tendon. Your doctors say you will be on crutches for the next 12 weeks. Something in your gut tells you the diagnosis may not be correct.
What to do if you don't see improvement?
In situations where you don’t see improvements to your health over an extended period, it may be a sign to consider seeing a specialist, or getting an outside opinion from another doctor. They may be able to provide alternative, more effective treatment. 5. When you lack confidence in your doctor.
When to consider a second opinion?
To help confirm your decision, we recommend considering a second opinion if you notice one of the following five signals. 1. When the diagnosis is ambiguous. If you’ve undergone a half dozen tests with no definitive results, a new doctor may be able to offer a fresh perspective and insights.
Is it a serious diagnosis to seek a second opinion?
A serious diagnosis is not the only time “seriousness” should be considered when deciding to seek a second medical opinion. If your doctor recommends a controversial or risky treatment, such as an experimental therapy or medication that could cause unwanted side effects, it’s also worth consulting another medical professional.
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.
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:
1. You aren't being cared for by specialists
It is important for a physician or group of physicians who specialize in lung cancer to review your case and treatment plan. Professionals who specialize in lung cancer like thoracic oncologists are the most up-to-date on lung cancer treatment guidelines and emerging treatments.
2. Your doctor makes you feel to blame for your cancer
No one deserves lung cancer. No matter what your health history is, you are not to blame for your cancer. If you feel like your doctor lacks compassion, it is time to seek a second opinion.
3. Your doctor gets upset when you ask questions
The best relationship between a doctor and a patient is a collaborative one. It is important to feel comfortable asking questions and feel satisfied with the answers. Read up on as much information as you can and find a doctor who wants to have conversations with you about your care.
4. Your doctor tells you there is nothing to be done and to "get your affairs in order."
The subject of prognosis is a tough one. Your treatment decisions should be made after careful consideration and conversations with your care team. While the lung cancer survival rate isn't where we would like it to be, progress is being made every day and treatment options are expanding.
5. Your doctor doesn't know what biomarker testing is or refuses to talk to you about it
Biomarker testing looks for specific markers on your tumor, sometimes called molecular or genomic markers. The results from this testing help inform your possible treatment options such as whether to take a targeted therapy or participate in a clinical trial.