What do I need for a second opinion?
Groopman: Absolutely. One, you need all the medical records and any pathology slides or other test results to give to whoever is giving the second opinion. Two, you want the experts to discuss in an open way what the areas of agreement and disagreement are.
When to ask for a second opinion about a diagnosis?
If you’re restricted, or in a situation where the diagnosis is not clear, or you feel the best treatment exists at another institution, then you need to advocate for yourself quite loudly. WebMD: A recent study of biopsy slides at Johns Hopkins published in the December 1999 issue of the journal Cancer showed a surprising rate of misdiagnoses.
Can you see a different opinion leader at one hospital?
Groopman: You can, but it’s important to see someone at a different institution. Institutional cultures are real, and often an opinion leader at one hospital will do things a certain way and others at that institution will conform to that viewpoint. But at another hospital, even across town, there may be a very different philosophy.
Where can I get a second opinion on my cancer treatment?
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.
Groopman: Absolutely. One, you need all the medical records and any pathology slides or other test results to give to whoever is giving the second opinion. Two, you want the experts to discuss in an open way what the areas of agreement and disagreement are.
If you’re restricted, or in a situation where the diagnosis is not clear, or you feel the best treatment exists at another institution, then you need to advocate for yourself quite loudly. WebMD: A recent study of biopsy slides at Johns Hopkins published in the December 1999 issue of the journal Cancer showed a surprising rate of misdiagnoses.
Groopman: You can, but it’s important to see someone at a different institution. Institutional cultures are real, and often an opinion leader at one hospital will do things a certain way and others at that institution will conform to that viewpoint. But at another hospital, even across town, there may be a very different philosophy.
When to get a second opinion at the Mayo Clinic?
Or your condition isn’t responding to the current treatment. According to Mayo Clinic patient educators, taking the time to learn about your condition, and getting a second or third opinion is a reasonable approach. Proactive decision-making will give you a greater degree of control over your treatment.
When to get a second opinion on a cancer diagnosis?
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?
What kind of doctor should I See for a 3rd opinion?
You also might need to get 3rd opinion from another specialist— a pathologist, surgeon, medical oncologist, or radiation oncologist — to talk about the two opinions and give their opinion on your situation. You may need to do your own research on the latest treatment guidelines.
When to ask for a second opinion about a disease?
Groopman: Any time you have a very serious or life-threatening disease: Where the diagnosis is not clear, the treatment is experimental, or there is no established consensus or Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment If you’re considering some new experimental approach or a procedure that involves using experimental instruments or devices.
Is it wise to agree to surgery without a second opinion?
It is never wise to agree to surgery or another invasive procedure without exploring your options. Yet, some people feel that if a doctor suggests a procedure, they have to agree to it. But remember it is your body and your life. You absolutely have a say in what treatments you agree to.
When to get a second opinion about cancer treatment?
You absolutely have a say in what treatments you agree to. As a result, it may be wise to get a second opinion if your doctor is recommending something as serious as surgery. Being proactive and gathering more information will give you a greater degree of control over your treatment in the end. Get a second opinion if you are diagnosed with cancer.
What happens when you get a second opinion?
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, getting a second opinion from a different doctor might give you a fresh perspective and new information. It could provide you with new options for treating your condition. Some doctors take a more conservative, or traditional,…
Can a doctor recommend another doctor for a second opinion?
Most doctors understand the value of a second opinion, and they are not offended when a patient wants one. They may even be able to recommend another doctor. The following are some other possible resources for finding an oncologist:
When to get a second opinion for an undiagnosed illness?
Get a second opinion if your gut reaction tells you something is off. By all means, if you are not comfortable with the diagnosis or the recommended treatment, get a second opinion. You should never agree to a procedure or treatment plan when you don’t feel good about it. Trust your gut and gather more information.
Or your condition isn’t responding to the current treatment. According to Mayo Clinic patient educators, taking the time to learn about your condition, and getting a second or third opinion is a reasonable approach. Proactive decision-making will give you a greater degree of control over your treatment.
Why is it important to get a second opinion after a diagnosis?
People make mistakes every day, and doctors are not immune to this fact. What’s more, some doctors are more conservative while others tend to be more aggressive. So their findings and recommendations can vary dramatically. For this reason, more and more patients are getting second opinions after a diagnosis.
How to get a second opinion from your primary doctor?
Look at the list of forms below, and print the ones that fit your needs best. Use the forms to take notes and to help you remember what questions you want to ask. Have the second doctor’s office send a report to your primary doctor, the one who manages all your care. This keeps all of your medical information in one place.
What to bring to a second opinion appointment?
When you call to schedule the appointment, find out if the facility has a specialist with experience treating your condition. Plan to bring your medical records, including copies of all scans, exams, previous treatment, blood tests and pathology slides, with you to the appointment. Be clear what you’re looking for from the second opinion.
How to contact 2nd MD online medical second opinion?
If you would like to contact us directly, email [email protected] or call us at 1-866-410-8650.
How to request a remote second opinion from MSK Doctor?
The first step in requesting a remote second opinion from an MSK doctor is to submit an online appointment request form. Select “Appointments for New Patients” if you are the patient or their caregiver or family member. Select “Refer a Patient” if you are a clinician requesting a review for your patient.
Where to go for a remote second opinion?
If you have a medical emergency, call your local emergency service or go to your nearest hospital or urgent care center. To offer the most comprehensive opinion possible, MSK remote second opinion brings together a team of experts. This includes specialists from pathology, radiology, and oncology.
Can you get a second opinion at Memorial Sloan Kettering?
Even if you are not able to travel to New York for an appointment, you can still receive a medical opinion from Memorial Sloan Kettering’s world-class oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and molecular diagnosticians. Who Should Request a Second Opinion?