Should you get a second opinion?

If there’s any uncertainty about your initial diagnosis, seeing another doctor could offer more insight. Getting a second medical opinion is also a good idea if you're facing significant medical decisions, receive a rare, unclear, or complex diagnosis, or if you're not in agreement with your diagnosis or at ease with your prescribed treatment plan. If you don't feel seen or heard, if you feel rushed or not prioritized, if you don't have good rapport or a healthy relationship with your physician—those are good reasons too. To add, if your physician can't seem to hone in on what's wrong and/or doesn't have any options for you, then a second opinion may be of prime importance, especially if you have debilitating symptoms. 

 

Getting a second opinion can also be worthwhile whenever risky and potentially expensive surgeries, medicines, or tests are prescribed.

 

It's fair to say that most physicians are aware that patients want certainty and even more understanding when it comes to their health. Because of that, it's not uncommon for doctors to encourage second opinions and refer or recommend patients see a specialist, or even a physician with a higher level of expertise. It doesn't equate to deep offence or disrespect. When doctors encourage second opinions, it's not due to doubt or uncertainty but for the betterment (best interest) of the patient, which can go a long way in the patient-physician relationship.

 

If you choose to get a second opinion, do so sooner than later to eliminate any disease progression and roadblocks in your treatment plan. 

Doctor shopping is typically related to visiting multiple healthcare providers to either obtain multiple prescriptions or to possibly obtain a desired diagnosis or treatment. It's different from obtaining a second opinion as it's illegal and often associated with persons with active substance abuse disorders who are in search of prescription drugs, and mental illnesses like hypochondria.

 

Unlike getting a second opinion, doctor shopping can be correlated with dissatisfaction or not trusting a given diagnosis, manipulation, and can even create harmful and destructive patient-physician relationships. 

 

It's important to recognize that the intent for doctor shopping is widely different and counterproductive than getting a second opinion.

To start, consider checking with your insurance provider first to ensure second opinions are covered. 

 

Then, find a doctor, surgeon, or specialist who’s unaffiliated with your current health care provider. You could ask your family doctor or the doctor you’re already seeing for a referral (if they haven't already provided one) or find a doctor through your insurance provider. Before your appointment, double check and be sure your new physician's office accepts your insurance. 

Make an appointment and make sure the office knows to get your records from your first doctor or have your medical records sent to their office. You'll want to be sure the second doctor has records of your medical history (including any office notes, test, and results) and is able to review it prior to your appointment. 

Write down any questions that you'd like to raise during your appointment. Come prepared. Having them on paper or readily available and assessable in your phone saves time. It also lessens the chance of you missing a thought, idea, or question you want answers to or to receive feedback on. 

If your second opinion you receive differs from your first, consider talking to your doctors and ask if they will consult one another to discuss their differences, and work together in the next steps for your medical care. It may be easier if the doctors can agree and even work together for your treatment plan.