Basics of second medical opinion

A second opinion is always a good idea when your life or quality of life is at stake. Medical conditions sometimes occur that your primary care physician can't treat. You may need a specialist, whom you've never met, for a second medical opinion. Putting your life into the hands of a stranger deserves some research.

When should you seek a second opinion?
Because of the increase in medical knowledge and new treatments, it is difficult for any one physician to be aware of all the latest information. One result is patients and their physicians together are seeking second opinions so better and more informed decisions can be made. For minor medical issues-a cold, flu bug, a scratch or scrape, allergies, etc you probably won't need a second opinion.

However, there are certain times when a second opinion is absolutely essential. So when is the best time to get a second medical opinion?
• Having major surgery
• Questioning whether surgery is the only option
• Unhappy that your regular doctor can't diagnose your problem
• Having trouble talking with your current doctor(s)
• Not seeing improvement in your medical condition
• Diagnosed with a life-threatening disease such as cancer, heart disease or brain tumor
• Told a second surgery is recommended
• Having multiple medical problems
Getting a good second opinion
some physicians disagree about whether you should get a "blind" second opinion (when medical records, test results and first physician's opinion are not made available to the second doctor) or if this information should be shared with the second opinion doctor.
Questions to ask during a second opinion appointment
• Is there any chance the medical problem could have a different diagnosis?
• Are there any alternative forms of treatment available?
• What are the likely results if you wait or don't have the treatment?
• What are the risks associated with the treatment(s)?
• Are there any side effects or residual effects from each treatment option?
• How is the treatment plan expected to improve your health or quality of life?
• How long is the recovery period?
How can I get another medical opinion?
• Your doctors may refer you to other doctors or specialists.
• Ask friends or relatives who've been treated for the same condition.
• Ask for a list of approved doctors from your medical insurance company or your employer's health plan administrator.
• Call your local medical society.
• Contact a hospital or medical school you're comfortable with and ask them to refer you to a specialist for a second medical opinion.
• Verify the doctor's credentials through your state's medical board once you've decided who you'll see for a second medical opinion.
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