Content Overview 
- Summary
- When To Obtain A Second Opinion
- Sources For A Second Medical Opinion
- How To Get An Appointment On A Timely Basis
- How To Prepare For An Appointment For A Second Opinion And What To Do At The Appointment
- What To Expect From A Doctor Who Gives A Second Opinion
- What To Do If There Are Conflicting Medical Opinions
- How To Pay For A Second Medical Opinion
- A Request For A Second Opinion Should Not Be A Problem For Your Doctor, Especially If You Explain The Reasons You Want One.
- Second Medical Opinions And Managed Care Health Insurance
- What If My Doctor Insists That My Second Opinion Has To Come From Another Doctor In The Same Medical Group?
- What If I Want A Third, Fourth, Or Even Fifth Opinion?
Second Opinion 101
Summary
Next »1/12
A second opinion is the request for an expert to provide an opinion about a diagnosis, treatment or other medical suggestion when you already have an expert opinion.
The opinion can come from an expert with the same expertise or a different expertise. For example, you may have an opinion about the need for surgery from a surgeon. You may ask for an opinion from an internist or other specialist.
If you think you want a second opinion, for whatever reason, ask for one. There is generally time. Ask your doctor how much time you have to make a decision. To avoid unreasonably postponing getting a second opinion, set a deadline for the opinion. You can change the deadline if the facts warrant and you are within the time frame described by your doctor.
In addition to local doctors, you can obtain an opinion from doctors all around the country (or even the globe) or from institutions or services. Many specialists will give an opinion for free if they only have to review facts instead of an entire medical record.
It is not advisable to seek a second opinion without telling your doctor. It may be difficult for you to think about asking for another opinion once a doctor has given one, but second opinions are so common that it should not be a problem for your doctor. In fact, many doctors welcome the request.
A copy of your medical records will be required for a second opinion. If your doctor doesn't do the work for you, expect that it can take a good deal of effort to collect the records required for a second opinion. If you're not up to it, ask a friend or family member, or hire an assistant or a service to pull together the necessary records.
If you receive conflicting opinions, ask the doctors to resolve the conflict and/or ask for a second, third or even fourth one.
Insurance companies should pay for a second opinion -- and even a third and fourth one. Insurance companies tend not to pay for opinions obtained over the internet instead of in person.
To Learn More
More Information
Choosing A SpecialistRelated Articles
How To Deal With A Financial Crunch Uninsured
Please share how this information is useful to you.
0 Comments
