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How do I get a second opinion on a diagnosis?
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.
What questions should I ask in a second opinion?
Do I Need a 2nd Opinion? 10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- What 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?
Are second opinions worth it?
“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.
What can I expect from a second opinion?
The process of seeking a second opinion can be as simple as getting a referral from your current doctor and making sure your health insurance will pay for it. You will need to gather any biopsy or surgery reports, hospital discharge reports, relevant imaging tests, and information on drugs or supplements you take.
Are 2nd Opinions good?
Why second opinions are important?
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.
How does a second opinion work?
What Is a Second Opinion? Your doctor is usually comfortable with your decision to get a second opinion. Getting a second opinion is a good idea when you have a medical issue. In fact, you might find that your general doctor will refer you to a specialist or encourage you to see another doctor before you even ask.
What are the benefits of getting a second opinion?
Whether your doctor recommends surgery, makes a cancer diagnosis or identifies a rare disease, there are many benefits to getting a second opinion. These benefits include everything from the peace of mind and confirmation to a new diagnosis or a different treatment plan.
When to seek a second opinion for a medical problem?
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.
What to bring to a second opinion appointment?
When you call to schedule the appointment, find out if the facility has a specialist with experience treating your condition. Plan to bring your medical records, including copies of all scans, exams, previous treatment, blood tests and pathology slides, with you to the appointment. Be clear what you’re looking for from the second opinion.
Is it wise to agree to surgery without a second opinion?
It is never wise to agree to surgery or another invasive procedure without exploring your options. Yet, some people feel that if a doctor suggests a procedure, they have to agree to it. But remember it is your body and your life. You absolutely have a say in what treatments you agree to.