Medical Second Opinions

A second medical opinion is an assessment performed by an independent physician who is not your current doctor.

After reviewing your case, the consulting physician provides an opinion about your condition and recommends appropriate treatment. Medical consultations are usually sought when someone has a life-changing or life-threatening condition. However, they can be informative and helpful in other ways as well.

What Are Some Benefits of Second Medical Opinions?

Another opinion will give you more information about your case. You might learn about potentially effective and less invasive treatments that your current doctor hasn’t yet considered. Getting input from another doctor can confirm that your current diagnosis is accurate. Alternatively, the consulting physician might suggest that another diagnosis would be more appropriate.

A consultation can confirm that the treatment recommended by your current doctor is appropriate and is producing the desired results. Consulting with another doctor can shed light on a workers’ compensation claim or help to resolve a personal injury case.

Here are a few additional examples of why someone might seek another opinion:

Symptoms Are Not Improving With Treatment

If a doctor doesn’t offer alternative treatments or isn’t willing to work with you to find them, then a consultation with another doctor or with a specialist may be helpful, especially for patients who are in pain. In order for a treatment to be effective, your doctor needs an accurate understanding of the problem. A second opinion can shed light on your condition. That, in turn, can pave the way for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Your Doctor Has Recommended a Risky Treatment

You might seek another opinion if your doctor has recommended a treatment that’s invasive, dangerous, experimental or can cause permanent injury. Another reason to get a second medical opinion is if your doctor recommends a surgery that’s not absolutely essential. Another doctor may be able to suggest safer treatments that are less likely to cause harm. On the other hand, a consultation can help you to decide whether the potential benefits of an uncertain treatment might be worth the risk.

You Have a Rare Disease

Depending on how uncommon your condition is, there may be little information about it and no research studies to refer to. Another physician may have a better understanding of your condition and be better equipped to help. With uncommon conditions, the potential for misdiagnosis is high, so be sure to do your own research, too.