Connect
Should I get a second opinion?
Dealing with a complicated medical condition can feel overwhelming at times, and it’s normal to have questions and concerns. Seeking a second or even third opinion is a reasonable approach if doing so will help you feel more confident about the diagnosis you’ve been given and the plans for treatment.
There are many reasons why you may want to seek another opinion, such as:
- Your provider isn’t an expert in your condition or he or she is having trouble making a diagnosis.
- You’re having difficulty understanding your condition and you’d like the condition and options for treatment explained by someone else.
- Your doctor prefers an approach to treatment that you don’t agree with or feel isn’t best for you.
- Your current treatment plan isn’t working.
To get a second opinion, you can ask your doctor to refer you to someone else. You can also ask family members or friends who’ve been treated for the similar conditions about their experiences. Another option is to check with your insurance company for a list of approved providers.
If the second opinion results agree with the first, you can feel more confident you’re taking the right approach. If the opinions are different, you’ll have to decide which option you feel is best. Consider what issues are most important to you and what you feel makes the most sense.
If you’re having difficulty making a decision, seek out a medical provider who knows you and whom you trust, such as your family physician. Ask him or her to review the information with you and help you reach a decision.
Enjoy practical health tips like this delivered to your in-box or mail box with Mayo Clinic Health Letter!
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more newsfeed posts like this? Go to the Aging & Health: Take Charge blog.
Connect
In asking your doctor for a reference for second opinion, sometimes we need to be careful. The doctor may take offense to the question, may not respond, or may even refuse to see you as a patient again! Timing, art of gentle inquiry and sincerity are all critical in getting to a second or third opinion.
Just my humble opinion!
Ginger
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionGinger, I totally understand where you are coming from! But I have learned if they don't like what I have to say, that is there problem! It's my body! In 75 years I have made it a point to try and listen to it!
I'm the one who suffers the pain! The one that has an adverse reaction to a medication!
You don't have to be Rude, even if they are! But you have to stand firm and make valid points.
Sundance(RB)
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsMy eye doctors have always been happy to give reference for second opinion including to Bascom Palmer in Miami. If a doctor is offended by request for second opinion, I think it is time to get new doctor.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsDon, So True! My Feeling is my "Boomer Generation" were raised not to question people in authority! Mine came from my Dad who was a Lt. Colonel in WWII.
It takes something to happen to understand that we are our Best Advocates!
Thanks,
Sundance(RB)
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI can relate to what you are saying. I had a surgeon who didn't want to hear that I was having a problem after eye surgery. He went into a rant yelling at me in his office saying I was being negative. I only had asked why my vision was still missing the center vision as I had the same surgery for the other eye in a different county 8 years prior and did not experience what I had this time. (The surgeon I had before was kind and always answered questions but he had retired from doing surgeries.) I wasn't rude even though this new surgeon certainly was. I knew he was going on a vacation and had a lot of patients still waiting to see him so I gave him the benefit of the doubt that he just needed that vacation. However, my eye 6 weeks later was still having issues and he came into the exam room with the same bad attitude as before. I hadn't even spoken a word and he was angry. My husband was with me & he interrupted this surgeon to ask him to explain the photos on the computer screen. He got mad at my husband for daring to interrupt but finally after my husband got up pointing at the computer he calmed down and at least explained the photo of my eye and why my vision still was not as good as he hoped for. However, with a painful red eye and having been on steroid eye drops for 7 weeks I was left to slowly get off them myself. I finally had to see my regular Ophthalmologist who put me back on a less potent steroid eye drop for 2 more days. This helped temporarily. Now 12 weeks out and I still am having eye problems but do not care to call or see that surgeon again. No surgeon or any doctor should treat a patient with such rude behavior. I will need a different eye specialist unless my current Ophthalmologist can treat my eye from this point on. Yes, we do need to take a stand, but this guy is either overworked or needs anger management classes before treating patients. I for one will not be going back
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction