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 course of your care. Maybe you don’t feel confident in your doctor’s ability to treat your condition, or you have a rare or unusual condition.
- 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.
Why should I get a second opinion?
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 course of your care. Maybe you don’t feel confident in your doctor’s ability to treat your condition, or you have a rare or unusual condition.
When should you get a third opinion from a doctor?
What's more, if the two doctors you see vastly disagree, then it might be wise to get a third opinion. Keep in mind, too, that the second opinion is not necessarily the right opinion.
How many people never seek a second opinion?
According to the Patient Advocate Foundation, statistics show that more than one-third of adults in the U.S. never will seek a second opinion, and almost one-tenth of newly diagnosed patients rarely or never understand their diagnoses.
When should you seek a second opinion about medical treatment?
Getting a Second OpinionYou 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.More items...•
Why do patients seek second opinions?
Factors that motivate patients to seek a second opinion include diagnosis or treatment confirmation, dissatisfaction with a prior consultation, desire for more information, and persistent or unbearable symptoms or treatment complications.
Is it worth getting a second medical 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.
What is a medical second opinion?
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.
Are doctors offended by second opinions?
Getting a second opinion is standard, and experienced doctors know and expect it. This doesn't mean that every doctor will be kind when you request a second medical opinion. A few may get offended, but it may be best to take your business elsewhere if this happens.
How do you ask for a second medical opinion?
How should I ask a doctor for a second opinion? Be as direct and unemotional as possible. Tell the second doctor that you want an appraisal of the diagnosis you've been given and the treatment that's been proposed. Bring the results, including tests, from your original consultation.
How do I get a second opinion on a medical diagnosis?
How do you get a second opinion?Ask your health insurance company if it covers a second opinion. ... Schedule a visit with the second doctor. ... Have your first-opinion records sent ahead to the second doctor.Look at the list of forms below, and print the ones that fit your needs best.More items...
Why do doctors need second opinions?
Getting additional opinions just improves the likelihood that you will walk away with the best treatment plan possible. What's more, some health insurance providers require a second opinion when it comes to a cancer diagnosis.
When will doctors start giving second opinions?
on March 28, 2020. People make mistakes every day, and doctors are not immune to this fact. What's more, some doctors are more conservative while others tend to be more aggressive. So their findings and recommendations can vary dramatically. For this reason, more and more patients are getting second opinions after a diagnosis.
What to do if you are not feeling better?
So if you are not feeling better and your symptoms are not going away, do not settle for that. Reach out to other doctors for their opinions. Get a second opinion if you are diagnosed with a rare disease. Sometimes diseases are so rare that there is very little research behind them.
What to do if symptoms persist after treatment?
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.
When to get a second opinion?
Get a second opinion if your gut reaction tells you something is off. By all means, if you are not comfortable with the diagnosis or the recommended treatment, get a second opinion. You should never agree to a procedure or treatment plan when you don't feel good about it. Trust your gut and gather more information.
Can a second opinion confirm what you already know?
Even if your second opinion just confirms what you already know, it can still be beneficial. Afterward, you will know that you have done everything you can to ensure that you have the correct diagnosis and a treatment plan that feels right to you.
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.”
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 is the best way to learn about your condition?
According to Mayo Clinic patient educators, taking the time to learn about your condition, and getting a second or third opinion is a reasonable approach. Proactive decision-making will give you a greater degree of control over your treatment. Make decisions regarding your health ...
Why is proactive decision making important?
Proactive decision-making will give you a greater degree of control over your treatment. Make decisions regarding your health after you have been thoroughly informed about your diagnosis, prognosis and available treatment options.
How many people never seek a second opinion?
According to the Patient Advocate Foundation, statistics show that more than one-third of adults in the U.S. never will seek a second opinion, and almost one-tenth of newly diagnosed patients rarely or never understand their diagnoses.
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.
Can you transfer your care to another doctor?
However, if you choose to transfer your care to another doctor, make sure that you communicate this to your original doctor. “Dealing with a serious condition can be very stressful, so it’s important to have confidence in your treatment options and providers.
If you have a serious medical condition
Diagnoses of severe medical conditions such as chronic heart disease, stroke, and cancer can be overwhelming. As they may change your life completely, going for a second medical opinion may be a good idea. This is more important if the prognosis is poor or the treatment has high risks.
If you have a complex or rare disease
It can become quite frustrating and frightening if you get diagnosed with a complex or a rare disease [2]. Such diseases include thalassemia, hemophilia, sickle-cell anemia and more. Some rare diseases haven’t been researched and have studies underway, which makes the diagnosis and treatment difficult.
If you need to undergo risky surgeries and treatments
Sometimes, your doctor may suggest surgeries and invasive procedures that may have life-long consequences. Go for a second opinion, especially if the road to wellness involves risky medical procedures. It is wise to be proactive and gather more information before taking a final decision.
If your instincts or gut indicates a problem
If you are not comfortable with a certain diagnosis or don’t feel good about the proposed treatment, a second medical opinion can help. Trust your gut and speak to another expert. Once you get much-needed confirmation or a better diagnosis, you can go ahead with the treatment.
If your symptoms do not show signs of improvement
Seek a second medical opinion if your symptoms persist even after taking medications or treatment for a long time. Do not neglect your health and reach out to other specialists. The only way to receive the right treatment is by getting the diagnosis correct.
It helps verify, reassure, and get clarity
A second opinion can help you confirm whether your initial diagnosis is appropriate. It may reassure you about the diagnosis and give you peace of mind. If not, it may help you find an alternative way towards wellness.
It helps you consider other treatment options
Seeking a second opinion may help you receive the best treatment plan and avoid risky treatments such as invasive surgery.
Why it is important to get a Medical Second Opinion
Being diagnosed with cancer or another serious disease can cause a lot of anxiety and fear. Many wonder if another doctor would have had the same diagnosis and question whether or not they should seek a second opinion.
Do What is Right for You. Your Doctor Will Not be Offended
Even if you think your doctor is fantastic, don’t let it stop you from getting a second opinion.
Why Should You Get a Second Opinion?
If you feel unsure, go with your gut and seek a second opinion. It will hopefully give you peace of mind.
Preparing for Your Second Opinion Appointment and What You Should Ask
Bring a friend or family member with you to record the conversation with your doctor or to take notes. You will be able to look over the notes again after your appointment.
Advances in Medical Technology and Treatments
Medical advancements are happening every day. Still, while things are advancing, not every medical facility will be able to offer you the same technology/treatment options. At the Saint John’s Cancer Institute we are committed to developing breakthrough treatments for cancer.
Contact Us Today About a Second Opinion
The Saint John’s Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, California wants all of our patients to feel comfortable with their diagnosis and proposed treatment plan. It is important to take your time and weigh all options. Find a doctor you trust and have confidence in.
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:
When should you ask for a second opinion?
You don’t need a compelling reason to get a second opinion. Let’s say your provider understands your concerns and has answered all of your questions, but you want to explore other options. It’s time to get a second opinion.
How do you prepare for a second opinion appointment?
Being prepared for a second opinion appointment is important. After all, you’re meeting with a provider who doesn’t know you, your medical history, or your current diagnosis. Make sure you tell their office that you’re coming in for a second opinion and ask what medical records you should deliver to them in advance.
What are my rights for a second opinion?
As a patient, you have rights, and those rights include getting a second opinion. Consider the following information about second opinions before you schedule an appointment.
The bottom line
You don’t have to feel rushed to make a major medical decision. If after talking to your healthcare provider you still have questions or concerns, you have the right to seek another provider’s opinion.
