Electronic consultation offers convenient second opinion
- Information is sent electronically to and from Mayo Clinic through a secure online portal.
- Medical records, lab and test results, imaging and any other needed documents remain confidential throughout the entire process.
Can you get a second opinion from the Mayo Clinic?
As a major referral center, Mayo Clinic sees many patients who seek a second opinion — and for good reason. In a recent study, Mayo researchers found that as many as 66 percent of these patients have their original diagnosis refined and in 21 percent of cases, changed.
How do I get a second opinion on a diagnosis?
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.
Can I ask questions to the Mayo Clinic?
Ask Mayo Clinic online is available 24/7 via any computer or mobile device connected to the internet. Users are guided through a series of questions about presenting symptoms. Based on those responses, they will receive a recommended level of care.
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.
How do I ask my doctor for a second opinion?
How should I ask a doctor for a second opinion? Be as direct and unemotional as possible. Tell the second doctor that you want an appraisal of the diagnosis you’ve been given and the treatment that’s been proposed. Bring the results, including tests, from your original consultation.
How do I get a consultation at the Mayo Clinic?
Just call the Patient Online Services help desk at 877-858-0398. Download the Mayo Clinic app. The Mayo Clinic app gives you mobile access to your appointment itinerary, health record and care team messages. You’ll also find health news and practical advice, to help you live a healthier life.
Is it worth getting a second medical opinion?
Your doctor is usually comfortable with your decision to get a second opinion. Getting a second opinion is a good idea when you have a medical issue. In fact, you might find that your general doctor will refer you to a specialist or encourage you to see another doctor before you even ask.
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.
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.
Is it hard to get into Mayo Clinic?
It should come as no surprise, then, that admission to Mayo Medical School is extremely competitive, with an acceptance rate of just 3.5 percent. Fortunately, our team has nearly 20 years of experience helping students get into Mayo Medical School.
Why would someone go to the Mayo Clinic?
People just like you go to Mayo to be treated for a wide variety of conditions, including prostate cancer, breast cancer and epilepsy, as well as heart conditions and gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn’s disease.
Is Mayo Clinic expensive?
It’s important to acknowledge the elephant in the room: Mayo Clinic, as a leading academic medical center, is still an expensive place to receive care.
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.
When is it time for a second opinion?
Get a second opinion if your gut reaction tells you something is off. By all means, if you are not comfortable with the diagnosis or the recommended treatment, get a second opinion. You should never agree to a procedure or treatment plan when you don’t feel good about it. Trust your gut and gather more information.
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?
Who pays for a second opinion?
“In general, health plans do pay for second opinions,” says Robert Zirkelbach of America’s Health Insurance Plans, a health insurance company lobbying group.
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.
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.
Is Mayo Clinic covered by Medicare?
Yes, Mayo Clinic honors your Medicare coverage. Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital care, including lab tests and surgery. Meanwhile, Medicare Part B covers doctor fees, outpatient care, and clinic services.
What does Mayo Clinic specialize in?
Mayo Clinic is regularly acknowledged among the very best in the nation in the following specialties: Cancer. Cardiology and heart surgery. Diabetes and endocrinology.
