To speak with someone in our second opinion pathology group or to inquire about the results of a case sent for consultation, please call 713-792-3112.
How do I ask my doctor for a second opinion?
How Do You Ask for A Second Opinion?
- Explain to your doctor that you want to be fully informed about your diagnosis, prognosis and available treatment options and would like a second opinion.
- Ask your doctor to recommend someone else.
- If you have a specific doctor in mind, ask for a referral to them.
How do you get a second opinion diagnosis?
Asking for second opinion
If you are unsure about anything to do with your diagnosis or treatment, you can always ask for another appointment with your GP or consultant. Or you can talk to someone else in your healthcare team, like your specialist nurse.
What percentage of cancer patients get a second opinion?
A review of 20 quantitative studies of patients with cancer seeking second opinions found that the rates of seeking second opinions ranged between 1 and 88% [1]. Patients with higher levels of education were more likely to seek second opinions than other patients [1].
Does it cost money to get a second opinion?
You will need to ask for a copy of your medical records, including your doctor’s proposed treatment plan. By law, your doctor must give you a copy, but they might charge a fee. Sometimes you can ask to have them transferred directly to another doctor’s office, which might also cost a fee.
Do doctors get mad when you get a second opinion?
In serious cases, it can even save your life. But, pursuing a second opinion can add more stress to the situation if you are afraid your current doctor could get offended, resulting in a conflict. While it is not impossible for a doctor to get offended, thankfully it happens less than you may fear.
Should you tell a doctor you are there for a second opinion?
Doctors do it all the time as part of their own process of diagnosing a problem. You should not feel any hesitation or guilt about stating that you want a second opinion. In fact, many physicians will give their patients the names of other specialists and surgeons to talk to without even being asked.
Can you get a second opinion privately?
Talk to your specialist doctor or GP
Or you could pay for a second opinion from a private doctor. Your relatives can also ask for a second opinion, but you need to give consent for them to do this. Having a second opinion doesn’t mean that the second doctor will take over your care.
Under what circumstances might you want to seek a second medical opinion?
You have a rare or unusual diagnosis. You think another treatment might be available. Your doctor is not a specialist in your condition. You’re having trouble talking with your doctor, or you want your options explained by someone else.
What should you not tell your doctor?
The 10 Worst Things Patients Can Say to Physicians
- Anything that is not 100 percent truthful.
- Anything condescending, loud, hostile, or sarcastic.
- Anything related to your health care when we are off the clock.
- Complaining about other doctors.
- Anything that is a huge overreaction.
Is it worth getting a second opinion cancer?
Value of a Second Opinion. If you are facing a complex medical issue, it is worth considering having a second opinion. As a leading oncologist with many years experience, I am regularly asked to review a medical diagnosis or treatment plan to provide reassurance and help patients make a more informed decision.
How do you get a second opinion of cancer?
Making sense of the second opinion
- Make an appointment with your first doctor to talk about the second opinion.
- Ask both doctors to explain how they arrived at their treatment plan.
- Ask them how they interpreted your test results.
- Ask what research studies or professional guidelines they consulted.
Is MD Anderson the best cancer center?
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center again has been named No. 1 in cancer in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2021-2022 annual “Best Hospitals” rankings. Since the ranking’s inception in 1990, the institution has been selected as one of the top two hospitals for cancer in the country.
What questions should I ask in a second opinion?
Do I Need a 2nd Opinion? 10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- Why is this treatment the best option for me?
- What is your experience with this treatment?
- Are there any alternative options?
- What will happen if I wait or don’t have the treatment?
- What are the risks?
- How long can I expect the benefits of this treatment to last?
Can I ask to be referred to a different hospital?
You can ask to be referred to a different hospital if: you have to wait more than 18 weeks before starting treatment for a physical or mental health condition, if your treatment is not urgent. you have to wait more than 2 weeks before seeing a specialist for suspected cancer.
How do I ask my doctor for a referral to a specialist?
During your visit with your provider, ask if they think it’s time for you to see a specialist or let your doctor know you’re ready to see a specialist. Ask for your doctor’s recommendation of who to see and why that’s their preferred referral.
What should you do if you are not confident about a doctor’s diagnosis?
If you are not confident about a doctor’s medical advice or diagnosis, you can seek a second opinion. You may ask for a second opinion if you are unsure about a diagnosis or medical treatment option, or if you just want to confirm that the planned treatment is your best option.
What do you do if you disagree with your doctor’s diagnosis?
How to Respectfully Disagree with Your Doctor
- Be firm but polite.
- Express your concerns honestly and ask your questions about the diagnosis or treatment.
- Share why you disagree or what your concerns are.
- Ask the doctor to explain their reasoning and provide more information.
- Think of your healthcare as a partnership.
Why is it important to get a second opinion?
A second opinion can help you decide which treatment is most appropriate for your particular situation. It’s important to make sure that any second (or third) opinion you seek is from a physician who has broad experience and expertise treating the condition that you’ve been diagnosed with.
What happens at a second opinion appointment?
The doctor giving a second opinion will probably ask for the results of any tests or procedures you already had. Ask the second doctor’s office if any test results, imaging scans, or other medical information needs to be sent ahead of time, before you have your appointment.
When should I get a second opinion after surgery?
The best time to get a second opinion after your surgery is as soon as possible. In fact, the sooner the better. It’s important to give yourself sufficient reassurance to achieve a greater peace of mind.
