6 Reasons For Getting a Second Medical Professional Opinion
You may want to get a second opinion on a variety of things, from price estimates to the usefulness of certain goods. You can also ask for second opinions regarding your medical care. Here are six reasons for getting a second medical professional opinion.
1. You’re Presented With Various Treatment Choices
While some conditions may have one treatment available, others may have a variety of treatment options. For example, some autoimmune diseases can be treated with one of several medications, depending on severity and patient reactions to treatment. If your doctor presents you with several treatment options and you want more information on them, you can always request a second opinion to learn more about your diagnosis and the treatment options that might work best for you.
2. You Want Your Diagnosis Or Treatment Independently Confirmed
Sometimes, diagnoses are wrong or you may feel like you don’t have all the information. If your doctor diagnoses you with eczema but the treatments aren’t working, you can ask for a second opinion to do more tests and consider other diagnoses, such as psoriasis. You can also do this for a treatment your primary physician recommends. You may want a second opinion regarding treatment for various reasons. For example, if your doctor recommends red light therapy and you’re unfamiliar with it, you can ask for a second opinion and ask that doctor does red light therapy work and if so, whether it’s appropriate for you.
3. You Want to Consult With Specialists
Primary care physicians can provide input on many conditions or issues, but they can’t always diagnose things the way a specialist can. Specialists are extensively trained in their areas of expertise, so they have much more thorough knowledge of diagnoses, testing, treatments and procedures in their fields than primary care physicians do. Commonly sought specialists include rheumatologists and oncologists. If you or your primary care physician feels the issue you’re experiencing warrants a second opinion from a specialist, you can work together to get a referral to the necessary specialist for his or her assistance and expertise.
4. Your Insurance Provider Requires You to Get a Second Opinion
This is particularly common for intensive treatments, such as major surgery, and certain prescription medications. Your insurance provider may require a second opinion if the proposed surgery comes with many risks or if other less invasive treatments are available. The same applies to medication. Some insurance providers, for example, may require you to try less powerful medications or to get a second opinion before switching to a more intense option.
5. Your Symptoms Don’t Abate
In some cases, even once you start treatment or undergo a procedure, symptoms can continue. While this may be because treatment can take time to begin having an effect, which is common for medications such as antidepressants, it could also mean it’s not working. If you or your doctor thinks your current treatment plan isn’t working, it’s usually a good idea to seek a second opinion so you can broaden your knowledge and your list of treatment options.
6. You Feel Like Something Is Wrong
You don’t necessarily need to have a specific, well-crafted reason for wanting a second opinion. Sometimes, things just feel wrong, even if you can’t explain why. If you ever feel this way, that’s reason enough to seek a second opinion. You may not feel comfortable with the diagnosis itself or with the recommended treatment plan or procedure. Whatever the reason, if your gut is telling you not to agree to anything right away, trust it and seek more information and a second opinion.
Conclusion
You should always keep in mind that you can ask for a second opinion on your medical care, including diagnosis and treatment at any time and for any reason. Whether you feel uncomfortable with something, want to see if another option is right for you or anything in between, you just need to ask.
