If your doctor tells you that you have a health problem or suggests a treatment for an illness or injury, you might want a second opinion. This is especially true when you're considering surgery or major procedures.
Asking another doctor to review your case can be useful for many reasons:
Sometimes, though, waiting for a second opinion can hurt your health. If your doctor
says you’re having an emergency, such as a severe injury or health crisis that needs treatment right away, you may need to skip the second opinion.
When getting another doctor’s opinion, keep these steps in mind:
Find out if it’s covered. Many health care plans cover second opinions, but it’s good to find out before you make an appointment. Medicare will help pay for a second opinion as long as it’s for a treatment that’s medically necessary.
But even if you have to pay out of pocket, the second opinion may be worth the cost.
Get a name. Ask your doctor to suggest another source for a second opinion, whether it’s a specific name or a facility.
Don’t be embarrassed about asking. It’s a common request, and your health is the most important thing. Most doctors will be happy to help you find another source.
You can also take these steps to look for a second doctor:
Share the facts. Ask your first doctor to send your test results and other records to the second doctor before your appointment. Call ahead to make sure the second doctor has received these records. This information can help you avoid needing to repeat any medical tests.
Prepare for the visit. Before you visit the second doctor, learn as much as you can about your situation, and try to determine the type treatment you want. You may want to:
Bring a list of questions to your appointment. These might include:
Make your next move. Once you have a second opinion, you'll hopefully feel well-informed and more clear about the treatment plan and doctor that best meet your needs. Then you can decide the next step, whether it’s a surgery, cancer treatment, or medication choice.
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