When should you seek a second opinion about medical treatment?

Getting a Second Opinion

• You want to know every possible choice for treatment.
• Your doctor is not sure what is wrong with you.
• You have a rare or unusual diagnosis.
• You think another treatment might be available.
• Your doctor is not a specialist in your condition.

When should a patient get a second opinion?

“Patients should seek another opinion if they feel uncomfortable with their initial team, if they have a rare cancer that another doctor may have more expertise with, or if they are confused about their diagnosis or treatment options,” she says.

What is second medical opinion?

WHAT IS Second Medical Opinion. Second Medical Opinion is an empowering method given to patients and doctors alike, to ratify their diagnosis, review the treatment advised and recommendations on treatment offered. It can offer insights on additional treatment options.

What does a second opinion mean?

countable noun. If you get a second opinion, you ask another qualified person for their opinion about something such as your health. I would like a second opinion on my doctor’s diagnosis.

What is medical second opinion?

Getting a second opinion means you are consulting with another doctor to confirm your diagnosis, find other possible treatment options, which will enable you to make a decision.

What does medical opinion mean?

Medical opinions are statements from acceptable medical sources that reflect judgments about the nature and severity of your impairment(s), including your symptoms, diagnosis and prognosis, what you can still do despite impairment(s), and your physical or mental restrictions.

What is a third opinion?

Third opinion (3O) is a means to request an outside opinion in a dispute between two editors. When two editors do not agree, either editor may list a discussion here to seek a third opinion.

Should I ask another doctor for a second opinion?

Asking another doctor can help catch misdiagnoses or prevent unnecessary treatments, but they can also be a waste of time and resources. When faced with a major medical decision, it can be difficult for patients to determine when it’s appropriate to seek a second opinion.

What is a second opinion and why is it important?

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.

How many people never seek a second opinion?

According to the Patient Advocate Foundation, statistics show that more than one-third of adults in the U.S. never will seek a second opinion, and almost one-tenth of newly diagnosed patients rarely or never understand their diagnoses.

Does Medicare pay for third opinions?

LANDRO: Well, that’s – you know, sometimes a third opinion is necessary. You know, in fact, Medicare will pay not only 80 percent of the cost of a second opinion when there’s a major surgery or procedure, but they will pay for the cost of a third opinion, as well, at the same rate, with the idea that you need to get some kind of consensus.