By getting more information and asking the right questions, you will improve your chances of making good decisions about your treatments. If you are faced with a serious illness that does not require emergency surgery. If you are uncertain about the diagnosis or course of treatment suggested to you. If the treatment recommended is invasive. If you have already been undergoing treatment, and it is not producing the results your physician had expected.
Some insurance companies require a second opinion before certain surgeries.
Check your payor's policy regarding second opinions. You can ask your doctor to give you the name of another specialist who has a great deal of experience in treating your illness. Most physicians will not discourage you from obtaining a second opinion, so do not hesitate to ask them to refer you to another physician. In fact, the American College of Surgeons notes that competent physicians should not be insulted if a patient chooses to seek a second opinion, as consultation has always been a part of general medical practice. Local medical societies or medical schools will have the names of physicians who specialize in treating your illness.