When To Get a Second Opinion

Making decisions about your healthcare can be difficult, especially when you receive a life-changing diagnosis or have several treatment options to choose from. How do you know if you’re making the right choices? And what if there are options you or your care team haven’t thought about?

Getting a second opinion from other medical experts can give you peace of mind.

Clinical access specialist Dominic King, DO, and virtual second opinion specialist David Peter, MD, explain what it means to get a second opinion and how the process works.

Reasons to get a second opinion

There are plenty of reasons why you may want a second opinion. Maybe you’ve been diagnosed with a serious illness or disease, like cancer or a heart condition. Or maybe you’re just looking for validation before moving forward with treatment.

However you got here, it’s important to advocate for your needs and your future.

“Healthcare providers support second opinions because we all want the best for your health,” says Dr. Peter. “When you’re up against a new illness, you might be looking for reassurance and peace of mind that you’re doing the right thing for your care.”

You may want a second opinion if you:

• Are diagnosed with a serious illness or rare condition
• Want to speak with a specialist for an unbiased opinion
• Have difficulty understanding your diagnosis and treatment options
• Have several treatments to choose from and need help making a decision
• Disagree with your original diagnosis
• Feel overwhelmed by what you’re going through
• Have symptoms that are getting worse and current treatment options aren’t working

How to get a second opinion

If you’re ready to get a second opinion, here’s what to do:

• Talk to your current doctor. Ask your healthcare provider for recommendations, especially if you’re looking for someone closer to home.
• Decide if you want an independent opinion. If you prefer a completely unbiased opinion, you might choose a provider outside of your current healthcare system.
• Find the right specialist. Look for a specialist with experience treating your condition. You’ll find them at top-rated hospitals or specialized academic centers.
• Consider contacting your insurance. Some second opinion appointments may be covered by insurance and some may require out-of-pocket fees.
• Request your medical records, test results and imaging scans. This information will give another provider a complete picture of what you’re going through.
• Prepare questions ahead of time. Ask about the accuracy of your diagnosis, alternative treatments, risks, side effects and whether clinical trials are right for you.

You may also be eligible for a virtual second opinion. They’re designed to handle much of this process online, so you don’t have to do all the legwork.

“People often find it difficult to navigate the healthcare system,” recognizes Dr. Peter. “Virtual second opinion programs can be really helpful because they make that process easier to navigate.”

What’s next?

“Second opinions are meant to enhance your current physician’s opinion,” says Dr. King.

According to Dr. King, about 67% of second opinions recommend a change in diagnosis or treatment. The rest tend to confirm what you and your care team may already know.

“Sometimes, all you need is someone who can explain things in a way that gives you more clarity,” notes Dr. Peter. “Maybe the diagnosis or treatment doesn’t change at all, but now, you have a much better understanding, so you can make better-informed decisions about your health.”

If there’s a difference in opinion, compare recommendations and discuss them with your care team. They can use that insight to help you make decisions about your care.

“Getting a second opinion is really about informed medical decision-making and exploring all your options,” adds Dr. Peter. “Once you get a second opinion, you can decide what feels right for you based on the best information and guidance available.”

Why you shouldn’t wait

When it comes to your health, the faster you seek treatment, the better the outcome. It’s up to you to decide how you want to proceed every time you receive new information. So, if something doesn’t feel right or you have questions that aren’t being answered, consider scheduling a second opinion appointment. That way, you can make the best choice for your health.

“Follow your intuition,” advises Dr. King. “If you’re weighing a major decision, or simply want to feel more certain about the path ahead, a second opinion is one of the most powerful tools you have. Confidence in your care is part of healing.”