Seeking a Second Opinion
When you’re facing cancer treatment, it’s normal to wonder if another doctor could offer more information or a different treatment option. You might want to find another doctor who can look at your test results, talk with you about your personal situation, and maybe give you a different take on it. Getting a second opinion can help you feel more sure about your diagnosis and treatment plan.
Is there enough time to wait for a second opinion?
Treatment decisions should be made after you have learned all you can about your diagnosis, prognosis, and available treatment options. This can take time, depending on the type of cancer you have. In a few cancers, there are some treatment decisions that have to be made right away. But usually, you can take some time to think about them, and you should think about them. If you are concerned about waiting to start treatment, you should talk to your doctor.
Why get a second opinion?
Reasons for getting a second opinion include:
- You want to be sure you have explored all options.
- You think your doctor is underestimating how serious your cancer is.
- Your doctor is not sure what is wrong with you.
- You have a rare or unusual cancer.
- You think another treatment might be available.
- Your doctor is not a specialist in your type of cancer
- Your doctor tells you there is uncertainty about the type or stage of cancer you have
- Your doctor gives you a few different treatment options.
- You’re having trouble understanding and communicating with your doctor, or you want your options explained by someone else.
- You just want peace of mind that you have the correct diagnosis and that you are making the right treatment choice.
- Your insurance company asks you to get another opinion before you start treatment.
How to talk to your doctor about getting a second opinion
Some people find it hard to tell their doctors that they’d like a second opinion. Remember it is common for patients to get a second opinion, and doctors are comfortable with the request. If you are unsure of how to begin, here are a few ways to start the conversation:
- “I’m thinking of getting a second opinion.
- “Before we start treatment, I’d like to get a second opinion. Will you help me with that?”
- “I think that I’d like to talk with another doctor to be sure I have all my bases covered.”
The second opinion process: We guide you through the process
Before you start looking for a second opinion, contact your insurance company to find out what your policy covers. In some cases, your insurance will cover the cost of a second opinion, even overseas.
It’s important to be able to give the new doctor the exact details of your diagnosis and planned treatment. Make sure you have the following information handy and always keep copies for yourself:
- A copy of your pathology report from any biopsy or surgery
- If you had surgery, a copy of your operative report
- If you were in the hospital, a copy of the discharge summary that every doctor prepares when patients are sent home
- A summary of your doctor’s current treatment plan or the plan that has been given to you as an option
- Since some drugs can have long-term side effects, a list of all your drugs, drug doses, and when you took them
You can ask your current doctor’s office for copies of your records. If you have had treatment or tests in a hospital or clinic, you may need to contact their medical records department to find out how to get these records. Sometimes you can request your records through an online patient portal if your doctor’s office, treatment center, or hospital has one.
Deciding where to go for a second opinion
We have an excellent list of top cancer specialists and hospitals to choose from. You can view them here.
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