Getting a Second Opinion

You may feel like you don’t have control over the illness or disease that’s affecting your health, but you do have control over which option you choose to treat it. Your healthcare providers have the training and experience to diagnose and recommend treatment options. Still, you know what’s best for you regarding your personal goals, circumstances, beliefs, and any other considerations that are important to you and your family.

That’s why you should carefully consider all the treatment options. And part of that decision-making process may involve getting a second opinion. If, for example, your doctor recommends surgery, a second opinion may help you confirm that you need surgery, or you may find that you can try a less-invasive approach first.

Make sure you also have up-to-date and thorough medical records that you can share with each healthcare provider you see. The more accurate information you can provide, the better your chances of receiving opinions—first, second, or even third—that will help you make the best treatment decisions for you. Unfortunately, you can’t rely on doctors and their staff to have this information, especially if you’re seeing doctors from various specialties or health plans or if test results are from a hospital where the doctor doesn’t practice.

Keep in mind that recommendations from a doctor can be different without being right or wrong. A doctor’s treatment recommendation is the culmination of the doctor’s unique training, experience, and general approach. For example, one healthcare provider may recommend monitoring a problem before treatment, while another recommends a more aggressive approach to surgery or a procedure.

If you have any doubt about the treatment recommended by your doctor, ask about getting a second opinion. Your doctor shouldn’t be offended by this request. It’s a common practice. The doctor may be able to recommend another doctor or a specialist to help you.

Finding a healthcare provider

If you don’t have a recommendation from the first healthcare provider consulted, try to find the best doctor and hospital. And because it’s a second opinion, you may want to find a specialist rated among the top in the specialist field to ensure the provider is practicing the most up-to-date treatment options.

It may also be in your best interest to find a healthcare provider affiliated with a different medical group or hospital. Medical centers or well-known research and teaching hospitals are excellent sources for second opinions. They are among the first to try new treatments and technologies, and they may have access to clinical trials.

If you don’t live near a specialist with the expertise you need for a second opinion, you might also consider an e-consult. An e-consult, or electronic consultation, allows a doctor in a different location to review your electronic medical records (EMRs), including images and lab results, and discuss them with you, either via videoconferencing or by phone. Of course, a specialist can learn more from talking with you in person, but sometimes the e-consult is the next best option for a second opinion. It all depends on your needs.

Being prepared

Whenever you have the time and attention of a healthcare provider, get the most out of the opportunity. Prepare your questions in advance, take notes, consider bringing someone with you to the appointment while you are talking with the doctor, and ask the doctor to send notes to you and your primary care doctor.

If you get in the habit of documenting every visit you have with a healthcare provider as you work through the diagnosis and treatment process, it won’t be long before you accumulate a lot of paper. Even if you keep electronic files instead of paper, the organization is critical for finding specific information when you need it again.

Health insurance coverage for a second opinion

Depending on the circumstances and your insurance coverage, your insurance may or may not pay for some or all of the second opinions. It’s relatively common for the insurance company to pay 80%. Some, including Medicare, may even pay a percentage of a third opinion if the second opinion differs from the first. If you’re concerned about covering the cost of a second opinion, check with your insurance company before you go.

Providing medical records and test results

You must provide all your medical records and test results to the healthcare provider giving the second opinion. Your insurance may not pay for repeat testing. Make arrangements to pick up the copies for the doctor to give a second opinion. If the first doctor’s office is sending the records and test results to the doctor giving the second opinion, call a few days before your appointment to make sure the second opinion provider has received everything.

Although your emotions may be telling you to act as quickly as possible to address your medical issue, take the time now to consider your options carefully. You’ll make a better decision if you have all the information you need, and part of that information may include a second opinion. Your treatment may require a long-term commitment from you. Making that journey will be easier if you have confidence in your decision and the healthcare professionals on your team.