What is the proper procedure in obtaining a second opinion?

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!

@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.

First second opinion doctor shold accept your insurance then cal his office ask them you need second opinion and they will ask you to send them your lab work after that set appoitment.

It is your right to have secomd opinion and even third opinion he will not feel ofended do it before you feel sorry.

Hey, second and third opinions are your 'peace of mind;/// I have always<br>gotten other healthcare professional opinions on anything that is life<br>alternating. Just keep things simple, honest and forthright with the new<br>referral doctors. In fact, another doctor may be honoured or impressed<br>that you care enuf about your body to get a more thorough diagnosis...<br>There are too many mis-diagnosis today, one cannot take the risk of being<br>one of the fold. good luck, PS> even a 'nurse practitioner' is more<br>enlightened about todays diseases than an actual 'general practitioner(ie.<br>family doctor)..<br>

I was diagnosed in Feb 16 with two tumors, IDCM and immediately requested 2 things: BRCA test and a se one opinion. My diagnosing Doctor set up the 2nd opinion, not with a friend, but an institution of my choosing. I have known this dr 25 years and was afraid he would be offended but did it anyhow. He wasn't. Then, rather than having him do the surgery, I opted for natural breast reconstruction and had both my bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction in a town 100 miles away. My original doctor has supported me all the way. I highly recommend a book called, Breast Cancer, 50 Essential Things to Do. Good luck and feel free to contact me.

Hi @teege1 and welcome to Connect. I really appreciate all 3 of your introductory posts. It helps so much to hear from someone who has been there. I especially appreciate the encouragement regarding getting a second opinion and how you did it. So often we are hesitant to ask for a referral (myself included) for a second opinion at the risk of offending or for fear of repercussions to our care. But this our health and lives we're talking about.

Did you get the BRCA test? Did you test positive for carrying the gene?

@sailtown did you get a second opinion?

My husband is seeking second opinion on colon surgery but recently had surgery on ankle. He was told by Mayo will it give him appointment until 91 days after his ankle surgery. I don’t understand this since it’s unrelated.

Will NOT give him appointment until 91 days after ankle surgery.