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.
How do I ask my doctor for 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 professional guidelines they consulted.
Is it rude to ask for a second opinion?
Asking for a second opinion might be interpreted as a loss of confidence in the physician. “I don’t want to be perceived as a difficult patient or appear rude.” Patients want the doctor to feel good about them and don’t want to potentially damage the relationship.
Are doctors offended by second opinions?
Second opinions increase the likelihood of accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Good doctors know this, which is one reason most reputable doctors will not be offended by second opinions, but instead encourage them.
Does insurance pay for 2nd opinions?
Most health insurance plans will pay for a second opinion, but be sure to contact your plan beforehand to find out for sure. In some cases, if you don’t get a second opinion for a procedure, you may have to pay a higher percentage of the cost.
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.
What does a second opinion consist of?
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.
Hear this out loudPauseMake 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.
Hear this out loudPauseAsking for a second opinion might be interpreted as a loss of confidence in the physician. “I don’t want to be perceived as a difficult patient or appear rude.” Patients want the doctor to feel good about them and don’t want to potentially damage the relationship.
Hear this out loudPauseIn 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.
Hear this out loudPauseGetting a second opinion is an important part of becoming educated about a cancer diagnosis and treatment options and will also give you the opportunity to find a physician you are comfortable with, someone you respect and who you believe is paying attention to your needs.
Are second opinions worth it?
Hear this out loudPauseFor everyday health care, you probably don’t need a second opinion. But a second opinion may be a good idea if: You are deciding about a costly or risky test or treatment, like a surgery. You are not clear about how well a test or treatment may work.
What is another word for second opinion?
What is another word for second opinion?
| consultation | discussion |
|---|---|
| debate | dialogUS |
| forum | give-and-take |
| heart-to-heart | one-to-one |
| palaver | powwow |
Hear this out loudPauseMost health insurance plans will pay for a second opinion, but be sure to contact your plan beforehand to find out for sure. In some cases, if you don’t get a second opinion for a procedure, you may have to pay a higher percentage of the cost.
Why should I get a second opinion?
Hear this out loudPauseA second opinion is an important part of becoming educated about your cancer and your treatment options. The more you can learn about your diagnosis and your treatment options, the better chance you have of receiving the most appropriate treatment.
What happens when you get a second opinion?
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, getting a second opinion from a different doctor might give you a fresh perspective and new information. It could provide you with new options for treating your condition. Some doctors take a more conservative, or traditional,…
Why do you need a second opinion before surgery?
A second opinion can help you make an informed decision about the best treatment for your condition and can help you weigh the risks and benefits against possible alternatives to the surgery. Several health plans now require and will pay for patients to obtain a second opinion on certain nonemergency procedures.
When to get a second opinion at the Mayo Clinic?
Or your condition isn’t responding to the current treatment. 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.
When to ask for a second opinion about a diagnosis?
If you’re restricted, or in a situation where the diagnosis is not clear, or you feel the best treatment exists at another institution, then you need to advocate for yourself quite loudly. WebMD: A recent study of biopsy slides at Johns Hopkins published in the December 1999 issue of the journal Cancer showed a surprising rate of misdiagnoses.
