How Can I Get a Second Opinion?

Here’s what to do if you are questioning a diagnoses

Adam Rosenbluth, M.D.,

AARP

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Published November 04, 2024

illustrated gif of a man switching between two doctors

James Yates

What’s the best way to get a second opinion if you’re not sure about a diagnosis?

Even if you have confidence in your primary care doctor, there are times when it’s appropriate to reach out for a second opinion. Maybe your present treatment isn’t working. Perhaps there’s more than one possible diagnosis. You could have several treatment options, such as surgery versus medical therapy, and you need help deciding. Sometimes patients have a serious or rare condition and want an expert who specializes in their illness. Multiple conditions can also have the same symptoms, so diagnosing a complicated illness can be like trying to solve a mystery.

Whatever the reason for seeking a second opinion, I want to make two important points. First, no doctor should be upset if you ask for another viewpoint. This is your body, and you want to be sure that you’re finding the right medical team for your situation.

Secondly, if you have a good relationship with your primary care physician, you’ll want to keep that doctor in the loop. I tell my patients to think of me as their personal quarterback. I’m the team player who initiates the action and helps to lead the offense, coordinating communications among one or more specialists, depending on the situation.

For instance, I recently diagnosed a patient with lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. I called an oncologist I’ve worked with before and introduced my patient. But when she saw this specialist, she didn’t connect with him.

I was glad that my patient let me know. Now I can suggest a different oncologist or she can find her own by asking for a recommendation from friends or family. She can also use a verified online resource such as her insurance company’s list of approved healthcare professionals. Whichever way she chooses to go, I’d like to be kept in the circle and know who she is seeing, so I can continue to provide primary care support, as I truly believe that we’re in this together for the long term.

Although you can get a second opinion any time, the earlier you have one, the better. You don’t want to wait to get the treatment you need. I’ve read several studies over the years showing that another medical opinion is helpful to confirm, refine or even change an initial diagnosis. One study, for example, found that 21 percent of patients who sought a second opinion at the Mayo Clinic left with a new diagnoses and 66 percent received a refined diagnoses.

Sometimes insurance companies even require a second opinion, particularly when it comes to cancer or surgery. Be sure to contact your insurance company first to be certain that you’re covered.

It’s a good idea to decide if you want your second opinion appointment to be in-person — which may have a longer waiting period — or whether a virtual meeting will do. Once it’s set up, get prepared by sending all your appropriate records, including office notes and test results, in advance of your visit. Since you’ve stayed in touch with your primary care physician, this should be an easy ask. A lot of this information is probably available online if you are part of a medical network or health system that offers a patient portal.

I also suggest writing down questions beforehand. Depending on your situation, you might want to ask: “Is my diagnosis correct?” “Do I need this surgery or are there medications that can treat my condition instead?” “Are there clinical trials available?” “What are the risks and benefits of different treatment options?"

More from Dr. Adam

Consider taking along a friend or family member for the consultation. When you’re anxious, it’s hard to remember everything. Your companion can take notes and ask questions. Nearing the close of the appointment, within the last 15 minutes, I suggest you say something like, “I just want to summarize and make sure I’ve got everything right. Is this the diagnosis? And, are these my choices?”

It's important that you’re confident with your diagnosis and treatment plan. If your first and second opinions are conflicted and you need a third one to make a decision, I say – go for it! You deserve to have the medical care that works for you.

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