Connect
← Return to What is the proper procedure in obtaining a second opinion?
Discussion
What is the proper procedure in obtaining a second opinion?
Cancer | Last Active: Aug 28, 2018 | Replies (11)Comment receiving replies
Hi @sailtown. Welcome to Connect. This is a great question. First off, you should never be made to feel like getting a second opinion is offensive. You are just being an active participant in your health and no one can fault you for that. Plus, it's becoming more and more common as patients are being more empowered to question and get involved in their care. To get a second opinion, you can choose any doctor at any practice you want, but I would do some research or maybe even ask your PCP for a recommendation. Have you talked to your PCP or anyone else about a recommendation?
Yes, you'll definitely want to bring all of your records and scans. They may choose to repeat them but it's great to give them whatever you can.
Never be afraid to ask questions or challenge things if your gut is telling you to. Doctors know about the medicine, but you know the most about you, so be sure to speak up about what you need. Especially when you are facing a cancer diagnosis, it's important to have a doctor you trust and feel like you can partner with to create the best treatment plan.
Were you given a breast cancer diagnosis? Did they give you any other information about it?
If you would like to seek a second opinion at Mayo Clinic contact the appointment office here: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63
I'm also tagging @predictable, @susandenise and @boomba who have all posted about getting a second opinion and may be able to provide some other insights. I hope this helps!
Replies to "Hi @sailtown. Welcome to Connect. This is a great question. First off, you should never be..."
Connect
@sailtown, I got second opinions twice with great success. My second nephrologist diagnosed the exceedingly rare cause of my potassium deficiency; she is my hero in the medical world. My second cardiologist confirmed my treatment for a-fib as recommended by my first cardiologist. All four of these doctors work through my HMO; I didn't have to go outside of my Medicare Advantage plan. My nephrologist hero was recommended by my initial nephrologist when I told him I wanted a second opinion. My second cardiologist was recommended by the now-retired director of medical treatment quality for my HMO who is a neighbor and valued friend. Only doctors who see you as crucial to their level of income will be upset by your request. My brother's urologist was one of those, persuading him to have prostate biopsies twice a year until a septicemia contracted in the urologist's office almost took his life.