Content Overview 
- Overview
- When To Ask For A Second Opinion
- Sources For A Second Medical Opinion
- How To Arrange For A Second Opinion On A Timely Basis
- What To Look For In A Doctor To Provide A Second Opinion
- How To Choose A Doctor For A Second Opinion
- Medical Institutions That Provide A Second Medical Opinion
- Online Second Opinion Companies
- How To Prepare For An Appointment For A Second Opinion
- What To Expect During A Visit With A Doctor Who Gives A Second Opinion
- What To Do If There Are Conflicting Medical Opinions
- How To Pay For A Second Medical Opinion
- Managed Care Health Insurance: The Initial Request: How To Appeal A Denial
- What If My Doctor Insists That My Second Opinion Has To Come From Another Doctor In The Same Medical Group?
Second Opinions 101
What To Expect During A Visit With A Doctor Who Gives A Second Opinion
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A doctor who gives a second opinion will review all your medical records. The doctor may also give you a physical exam and ask questions to get information that isn't in the records. The doctor may even request additional tests.
Once the doctor feels secure that he or she has all necessary information, he or she will give you an unbiased opinion about your diagnosis, the treatment options available, and the doctor's suggested course of action.
Ask your questions about what the doctor is telling you, or about subjects of concern that the doctor doesn't raise. If there isn't time to cover them all, ask the doctor when you can see him or her again or call with the rest of your questions. (Some people prefer to ask questions in a fax or by e mail
Once you know what the second opinion doctor thinks about your situation: If it differs from what you've been told, ask the doctor about the differences and possible reasons for the differences. Asking after he or she gave an opinion rather than before will help keep the previous doctor's opinion from coloring the thoughts of the second opinion doctor.
You can even ask the doctor to speak with the doctor who gave the first opinion doctor to see if they can resolve their differences.
For more information, see How To Work Effectively With Your Doctors
NOTE:
- Do not expect the doctor providing a second opinion to discuss the first doctor's competence.
- Keep in mind that if things aren't clear after getting the second opinion, you can keep going to a third, fourth or even fifth opinion. Just don't let the quest for certainty become an excuse to delay getting treatment.
- If you decide that you prefer that the second opinion doctor become your treating doctor, see our information in "To Learn More" about how to switch doctors.