Is a Second Opinion Right for Me?
What Does it Mean to Get a Second Opinion?
As the saying goes, two heads are better than one. Receiving a second opinion is requesting the opinion of another doctor or specialist to confirm or change your original diagnosis or treatment plan.
Did you know The Mayo Clinic found that 88% of second opinions resulted in a new or refined diagnosis.
The Steps to Getting a Second Opinion
- Collect all the medical records you have that lead to the original diagnosis and the text of the original physician's opinion.
- Contact your insurance company about coverage for your second opinion.
- Find the right expert to give you your second opinion. Your original doctor can refer you to a colleague of theirs, family or friends can recommend someone who helped them, or you can do your own research to find someone who specializes in your type of cancer.
- Share your medical records with your second opinion physician. Depending on the type and location of these records, this can take time or be challenging. Purview may be able to help!
- Ask your second opinion physician all the questions you have! They are here to help and want to provide all the clarity they can, so ask all the questions you have about your cancer to ensure you get the best treatment plan for you.
- Share the second opinion diagnosis with your original physician. A good doctor will never get offended that you asked for another opinion. Cancer by definition is extremely complex and now armed with two opinions rather than one, your doctor(s) can create the best treatment plan for you.
