Medical news — especially bad news — can be hard to digest. You want all the information you can get about your condition, treatment or surgery. And even when that news is delivered by a trusted physician, you may want to hear another opinion.
Many people shy away from seeking second opinions for fear of upsetting their doctor or overcomplicating their treatment. But doctors understand that a second opinion can be a standard course of action for patients who just want to learn more.
Situations that call for a second opinion
The more life-altering the diagnosis, the more inclined you may be to seek out a second opinion. It makes perfect sense that before embarking on a complex course of treatment or having an invasive surgery, you’d want to feel that you’re taking the right approach.
Some situations in which you may want to consider getting a second opinion include:
- Clarifying a confusing diagnosis or treatment plan
- Confirming a diagnosis
- Exploring alternative treatment options
- Receiving a diagnosis of a rare or life-threatening condition
What you can learn from a second opinion
Seeing another doctor for a second opinion may start out as just a way to gather more information. You can get more insight about your condition and learn about a variety of possible treatment options. But in some cases, a second opinion can end up drastically changing your diagnosis, treatment and even outcome.
A 2017 study looked at the results of people seeking out second opinions after receiving a diagnosis. In 21% of cases, they received a completely new diagnosis during the second opinion. And 66% of patients got a refined diagnosis.
As that study shows, second opinions can be an important tool for uncovering medical errors and misdiagnoses. In some cases, however, receiving two very different diagnoses may necessitate seeking out a third opinion that can help verify the right course of action.
What to expect during a second opinion
Take careful notes when receiving information from your original doctor about your diagnosis or treatment. Be sure to bring those with you when you meet with another physician. You’ll also want to make sure the new doctor has access to all test results and imaging you’ve had.
During a second opinion appointment, the doctor will go over all the information you currently have. They may also want to do their own physical exam and possibly additional testing.
Come prepared with questions, many of which you likely already asked your original physician. These can include questions about:
- Additional testing you may need
- Alternative treatment options (including clinical trials)
- Duration of treatment
- Expected outcomes
- Recovery time
- Risks associated with various treatments
Talking to your doctor about getting a second opinion
Never be afraid or embarrassed to look into getting a second opinion. In fact, you should start by talking to your original doctor about it. You may even get a recommendation or referral from them to another provider.
Many doctors — especially pediatricians and oncologists — routinely work together to help coordinate second opinions. They understand the value of consulting with more than one specialist before making major decisions.
