How to Get a Second Opinion (Updated May 2025)

Receiving a new health diagnosis can be tumultuous. While you're trying to figure out next steps, there's one important question to consider: Did you get a second opinion? Whether you're looking for alternate treatment options or just for diagnosis confirmation, it's always a good idea to consult multiple doctors before making a critical health decision.

What Is a Second Opinion?

Getting a second opinion means choosing to see another doctor or specialist after you receive an initial medical diagnosis or treatment plan. As a patient, you're within your rights to visit as many doctors as you like before making a decision about your health.

Even though it's called a "second opinion," you can get a third or even fourth opinion in order to be confident in your decisions and next steps. The second doctor reviews your medical history and gives their interpretation of your health condition, offering their view on your diagnosis or treatment plan.

Why Should You Get a Second Opinion?

If you have any uncertainty when making a key decision about your health, it's normal and even expected to want a second opinion. Diagnostic errors happen. You might be debating different protocols or treatments depending on your personal circumstances or beliefs. And especially with intense treatments, such as chemotherapy or major surgery, a single mistake in the procedure can prove debilitating or even fatal.

You'll want to be certain you're making the best possible decision for your health, and for anything critical, a second opinion can offer valuable insights for your decision-making process.

It's important to know that a second doctor's analysis may not be different from your initial opinion. However, the new physician may suggest different treatment options or outline different pros and cons.

When Should You Get a Second Opinion?

A second opinion can be particularly helpful in the following situations:

• When your health insurance requires it (many do, especially for surgeries)
• When your diagnosis isn't clear
• When you have multiple medical conditions
• When treatment offered is experimental, controversial, or risky
• When you have a rare condition
• When you're facing a life-threatening condition
• When you have many treatment options to choose from
• When you're not responding to current treatment
• When you feel you can't communicate effectively with your current doctor
• When your doctor says they can't help you or won't treat you
• When your doctor doesn't specialize in your condition
• When you want peace of mind about your diagnosis or treatment plan

If you need emergency treatment, don't wait for a second opinion. A doctor at the emergency room will help give you the life-saving treatment you need.

How To Get a Second Opinion Without a Referral

While asking your current doctor for a referral to another specialist is often the simplest route, you may prefer to seek a second opinion independently. Here's how to get a second opinion without a referral:

1. Check with your insurance provider: Call your insurance company to see if they can recommend specialists in your network who could provide a second opinion. Ask about coverage for second opinions and any special requirements they might have.
2. Contact local clinics or hospitals: Many medical centers have services specifically for second opinions. Call their main line and ask for information about getting a second opinion in the specialty you need.
3. Search through professional medical associations: Organizations like the American Medical Association or specialty-specific associations (such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology for cancer) offer physician directories where you can search for specialists by location and expertise.
4. Use online second opinion services: Many prestigious medical institutions like Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Johns Hopkins offer formal remote second opinion programs. These typically involve submitting your medical records for review by their specialists.
5. Ask your primary care physician: Even if your specialist didn't suggest another doctor, your regular doctor might be able to recommend someone who isn't closely connected to your current specialist.

When seeking an independent second opinion, make sure to choose a doctor who:

• Has at least the same level of expertise as your current doctor
• Is not a close colleague of your current doctor
• Is board-certified in the relevant specialty
• Accepts your insurance (if possible)

What to Say to Your Current Doctor

First, ask your doctor questions about your condition so that you understand what's happening. Sometimes you might feel uneasy because you need more information, so don't be afraid to ask more than once. If you need more time than your doctor usually gives you, ask the receptionist to help you schedule a longer appointment.

Your doctor knows that getting other professional opinions is a good practice and that you have a right to be informed of your options. They will likely support a second opinion, so it's best to ask for it outright. Some examples of questions you can ask are:

• "If you had this condition, is there another doctor you'd want to talk to about your options? Will you refer me?"
• "I'd like to see another doctor to cover my bases. Who would you recommend?"
• "I'd like to get a second opinion. Would you refer me to a specialist?"
• "Before starting treatment, I'd like to get another opinion. Would you help me?"

Remember that a second opinion is standard practice within most areas of medicine, and your doctor should be entirely comfortable with your decision to confirm their recommendation.

Preparing for Your Second Opinion Appointment

Before seeing a second physician, you'll want to:

1. Request your medical records: Ask for an updated copy of your medical records—including your doctor's proposed treatment plan. Your doctor is legally required to share a copy with you upon request. Some offices may charge a fee for copies.
2. Have records transferred: Sometimes you can ask to have your records transferred directly to the second doctor's office, which might also cost a fee.
3. Check if all materials arrived: Call the second doctor's office to make sure they received your records before your appointment.
4. Prepare questions: Decide what you want to learn and what your goals are for your new appointment. Write down any and all questions before you go, and bring those questions to your visit.
5. Bring a friend or family member: Consider having someone accompany you to take notes and provide emotional support.

Some general questions to consider asking include:

• What are my treatment choices?
• What are the pros, cons, and risks of those choices?
• Is the diagnosis correct?
• What does this condition mean, and why does it happen?
• What will happen if I do nothing or if I wait?
• What would you plan for treatment?

Will Insurance Cover a Second Opinion?

Most health insurance plans will pay for a second opinion, but it's best to check beforehand. In some cases, if you don't get a second opinion for a procedure, you may have to pay a higher percentage of the cost.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) helps pay for a second opinion before surgery. When your doctor says you need surgery to diagnose or treat a health problem that isn't an emergency, you have the right to get a second opinion. If the first and second opinions are different, Medicare helps pay for a third opinion.

For people with Medicare Advantage Plans, you have the right to get a second opinion, but:

• Some plans will only help pay for a second opinion if you have a referral from your primary care doctor
• Some plans will only help pay for a second opinion from a doctor who's in your plan's provider network

Always contact your plan for more information about second opinion coverage.

What Happens After You Get a Second Opinion?

Getting a second opinion can help you make better health decisions. There are several possible outcomes:

1. If the doctors agree: You may decide to return to your first doctor and move forward with your treatment, or you may choose to see the second doctor for treatment.
2. If the doctors disagree: You can use the new information to help you make the best choice for you. You might want to:
   • Talk more about your condition with your first doctor
   • Talk to a third doctor (Medicare helps pay for a third opinion if the first and second opinions are different)
   • Ask your doctors to work together as a team

Getting a second or third opinion doesn't mean you have to change doctors. If you decide to have surgery or another treatment, you'll choose which doctor you want to provide it.

How a Patient Advocate Can Help

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the second opinion process, a patient advocate can be an invaluable resource. Patient advocates are trained professionals who can:

1. Help you prepare for appointments: They can assist you in developing a list of questions to ask, help you understand medical terminology, and ensure you know what information you need to gather.
2. Accompany you to appointments: A patient advocate can join you during your doctor visits, take notes, and make sure all your concerns are addressed.
3. Assist with medical records: They can help you request, organize, and review your medical records to ensure all necessary information is available for your second opinion.
4. Facilitate communication: If you're having trouble discussing your desire for a second opinion with your current doctor, an advocate can help frame the conversation in a productive way.
5. Research specialists: Patient advocates can help you find qualified specialists for your specific condition and coordinate the second opinion process.
6. Review insurance coverage: They can help determine if your insurance covers second opinions and assist with any necessary paperwork or appeals.
7. Explain treatment options: After receiving multiple opinions, an advocate can help you understand the different perspectives and treatment approaches, making it easier to make an informed decision.

Patient advocates serve as your personal guide through the healthcare system, ensuring your voice is heard and your needs are met. They're particularly helpful when dealing with serious diagnoses, complex treatment plans, or when you're simply feeling too overwhelmed to manage the process on your own.

Second Opinions Are Not Just An Option; They Can Be A Necessity

Remember that seeking a second opinion doesn't mean you don't trust your doctor. It's about making sure you have all the information you need to make the best decision for your health. Most doctors understand and support this practice, recognizing that another perspective can sometimes provide valuable insights.

Whether the second opinion confirms your initial diagnosis or offers a different perspective, you'll be making your health decisions with more information and greater confidence. And in healthcare, being fully informed is always the best approach.

‍This article is for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for professional advice. Information is subject to change. Consult your healthcare provider or a qualified professional for guidance on medical issues, financial concerns, or healthcare benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting a Second Opinion

What exactly is a medical second opinion?

A medical second opinion is a consultation with another doctor or specialist after you've received an initial diagnosis or treatment plan. The second physician reviews your medical records and may conduct their own examination to provide their assessment of your condition. This gives you additional perspective on your diagnosis and treatment options, helping you make more informed decisions about your healthcare.

Will my doctor be offended if I ask for a second opinion?

No, most doctors won't be offended if you ask for a second opinion. In fact, good physicians understand and support patients seeking additional perspectives, especially for serious conditions or major treatments. Second opinions are a standard practice in medicine, and many doctors will even suggest or refer you to another specialist themselves. It's your right as a patient to gather all the information you need to make the best decisions about your health.

Does insurance cover getting a second opinion?

Most health insurance plans cover second opinions, especially for serious diagnoses or before major procedures like surgery. Medicare Part B specifically helps pay for second opinions before surgery, and even covers a third opinion if the first two doctors disagree. However, coverage policies vary, so it's best to contact your insurance provider before seeking a second opinion. Some plans may require referrals or limit you to in-network providers for coverage.

When is it most important to get a second opinion?

You should strongly consider getting a second opinion when: you've been diagnosed with a serious or life-threatening condition like cancer; your doctor has recommended major surgery; you're considering experimental or high-risk treatments; you have multiple treatment options to choose from; your diagnosis is unclear or rare; you're not responding well to your current treatment; or you simply don't feel comfortable with your current doctor's assessment. For routine or emergency care, second opinions are typically less necessary.

How do I get a second opinion if my doctor won't provide a referral?

If your doctor won't provide a referral (which is uncommon), you have several options. You can contact your insurance provider for recommendations of in-network specialists, reach out to local hospitals or medical centers that offer second opinion services, use physician directories from medical associations in your specialty area, or use online second opinion services offered by major medical institutions. You can also ask your primary care physician for a referral to a specialist independent from your current doctor.

How should I prepare for a second opinion appointment?

To make the most of your second opinion appointment, first gather all your medical records, including test results, imaging scans, and your current doctor's treatment plan. Call ahead to ensure the second doctor has received these records before your visit. Make a list of questions about your diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis. Consider bringing someone with you to take notes and provide support. Be prepared to discuss your medical history and current symptoms in detail, and bring a list of all medications you're currently taking.

What if the second opinion differs from the first one?

If you receive conflicting opinions, don't panic. Medical opinions can differ based on a doctor's training, experience, and approach. Take time to understand why the opinions differ by asking specific questions about how each doctor reached their conclusion. You might consider sharing the second opinion with your first doctor to discuss the differences, or seeking a third opinion from another specialist. The goal is to gather enough information to make an informed decision, not necessarily to find doctors who agree with each other.

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